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Talc has long been a common ingredient in makeup, since it absorbs moisture, improves consistency, and creates a soft texture in products like foundation and eye shadow. But it also comes with potential cancer risks.
Talc is frequently contaminated with asbestos, which is linked to cancer and other diseases. That’s because both minerals are often located near each other underground. There are now so many lawsuits alleging people have been harmed by asbestos-contaminated makeup that corporations are attempting controversial legal maneuvers to avoid paying millions in claims.
This hasn’t stopped beauty brands from using talc in their products. While the Food and Drug Administration didn’t find asbestos in several common cosmetic products in 2023, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe — especially since other fairly recent studies found that up to 14 percent of talc-containing makeup tested positive for asbestos.
If you’re concerned about the presence of asbestos in your cosmetics, here’s how to reduce your risk.
1) Read the labels. The FDA requires the cosmetic industry to label their products with a list of ingredients. Look for “talc” and other terms like “talcum powder” and “magnesium silicate.”
