The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed stricter testing requirements to ensure that cosmetics containing talc are free of asbestos. The proposed rule, unveiled on Thursday, aims to reassure consumers about the safety of products like makeup and baby powder, which have faced scrutiny in recent years.
Background on Asbestos Concerns in Cosmetics
Talc, a mineral widely used in cosmetics for its moisture-absorbing and textural properties, is often mined near asbestos, a known carcinogen. This proximity raises the risk of cross-contamination, a concern that has been acknowledged for decades by manufacturers.
The proposal follows years of lawsuits alleging links between talc-based products and cancer, including high-profile litigation against Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Despite these claims, scientific studies have provided mixed evidence of a connection between talc use and cancer.
FDA’s Recent Findings and Legislative Push
The FDA has not identified asbestos contamination in recent testing. Since 2021, laboratory analyses of more than 150 cosmetic samples have come back negative for asbestos. Nevertheless, concerns prompted Congress to pass a 2023 law mandating the FDA to establish new testing standards for talc-based products.
Dr. Linda Katz, director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, stated that the agency has carefully reviewed scientific data and developed methods to detect asbestos effectively. “We believe the proposed testing techniques are appropriate to ensure the safety of talc-containing cosmetic products,” Katz said.
Litigation and Corporate Responses
Lawsuits against J&J and other companies claim that talc-based baby powders caused ovarian cancer, particularly when used for feminine hygiene. J&J has consistently defended the safety of its products but agreed to remove talc from baby powder sold in the U.S. in 2020 and globally in 2023.
In response to mounting litigation, a J&J subsidiary proposed an $8 billion settlement to resolve tens of thousands of claims. The proposal includes filing for bankruptcy, a move challenged by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Challenges in Determining Health Risks
Determining a definitive link between talc and cancer remains complex. Ovarian cancer is relatively rare, making it difficult for even large-scale studies to gather sufficient data. The American Cancer Society notes that if there is any increased risk, “it is likely to be very small.”
