Autumn McClain  |  December 1, 2022

Category: Cancer

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How do you know if there is talc in makeup?

Popular makeup manufacturers including Chanel, Revlon, and L’Oreal have quietly begun removing talc in makeup that they produce, according to Reuters.

This action comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of a study into talc-based cosmetics and the presence of asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma cancers. The study found asbestos in roughly 18 percent of all products tested.

Is talc safe?

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that talc-based cosmetics are safe. However, that study made one very important assumption: talc products are safe so long as they don’t contain any asbestos.

Talc itself may not be cause for concern, but the common cosmetic ingredient is often found in mines in close proximity to the naturally occurring mineral, asbestos. Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen associated with mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, 80 percent of patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos which is breathed into the lungs where it damages small air passages with scarring and inflammation.

Talc-based product recalls

In an effort to protect consumers from “potentially contaminated cosmetic products,” the FDA initiated a study into the presence of asbestos in talc-based makeup. This study tested 52 different products and found that 9 of them tested positive for asbestos. As a result of this test, some manufacturers initiated voluntary recalls of products found to contain asbestos.

Among those products that were recalled are four from Beauty Plus Global and at least four from Claire’s Stores Inc. According to Reuters, Claire’s claims to have replaced talc with mica in most of its products. So far, mica appears to be a safe component for makeup, but those who mine the mineral face serious health risks.

Perhaps most noteworthy, Johnson and Johnson (J&J) recalled their Baby Powder products after sampling found asbestos. According to the FDA, some lots tested positive for asbestos while others tested negative. The recall is on Lot #22318RB, which can be found underneath the cap. Reuters reports that J&J is facing thousands of cancer suits regarding its products. In August 2022, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would be replacing its talc-based powders with cornstarch-based baby powder.

Makeup manufacturers to decrease talc in makeup

Is there talc in makeup?Several popular cosmetics companies have begun looking for alternatives to talc in makeup products. Chanel has dropped a body powder that is talc-based and is looking for alternatives for a loose face powder that contains talc. Revlon has removed talc from its selection of body products, and L’Oreal is looking for talc alternatives, according to Reuters. However, these efforts may only apply to specific products.

According to Reuters, Chanel still uses talc in its other products including blush, eye shadow and pressed powder. The company claims it only uses talc that has been “selected according to strict purity criteria” and “fully complies with current global regulations.”

Revlon, meanwhile, told Reuters that talc was being removed from the company’s body powders but declined to say why. The Revlon representative also declined to comment on any legal actions the company may be facing.

L’Oreal says it’s looking for a talc alternative but has yet to identify one. The company representative told Reuters that they require suppliers to certify that their talc is asbestos-free and do further in house testing, as well.

Revlon and Chanel have both faced legal action in the past due to cancer allegedly caused by their products.

Talc product lawsuit

Recently, Chanel has disclosed the fact that the company stopped making a talc-based body powder in 2017, a powder that had been produced since the 1920s. This disclosure came in the form of a deposition taken during a lawsuit faced by the company in 2018. In that suit, a woman claimed she got mesothelioma at least in part due to her use of the Chanel body powder and J&J powders, as well.

Despite the fact that asbestos is virtually the only known cause of mesothelioma, a Chanel representative denied that any Chanel powders contained the dangerous carcinogen. The spokesperson further claimed that the product was safe and that it had been removed due to “public perception.”

Other makeup companies facing talc lawsuits include Avon with 128 suits and Bausch Health with 165 suits. Bausch was previously owned by J&J who is now indemnifying Bausch for any liability, according to Reuters.

Should you file a talc in makeup lawsuit?

If you’ve developed mesothelioma or other cancers after long-term use of a talc-based product, you may be eligible to join a class action against the manufacturer of that product. Those wishing to join a suit should seek a legal case evaluation to determine if they qualify. In most cases, damages awarded in these cases include any medical costs, pain and suffering and attorney fees.

Join a Free Johnson’s Baby Powder Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or your loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and used a baby powder product such as Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower, submit your information now in the form on this page for a free and confidential case evaluation. 

You may qualify to pursue compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

See if you qualify by filling out the free form on this page.

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Join a Free Johnson’s Baby Powder Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

Failing to warn consumers about the danger of baby powder cancer could make companies liable for your injuries. If you used Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower body powder and were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma — or your loved one was — you may have a legal claim.

Please Note: If you want to participate in this investigation, it is imperative that you reply to the law firm if they call or email you. Failing to do so may result in you not getting signed up as a client or getting you dropped as a client.

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