Talc, the main ingredient in baby powder, has long been known to contain cancer-causing and potentially deadly asbestos, but it’s still being used to make cosmetics. Now, a new rule proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looks to make sure products containing talc are asbestos-free.
Talc is used to absorb moisture or improve the look and feel of some makeup. Like asbestos, it’s a mineral, but unlike asbestos, it is not toxic on its own. However, if talc is mined from an area near asbestos, there’s a good chance of cross contamination.
The FDA said since 2021, lab testing of more than 150 cosmetic samples has come back negative for asbestos. Still though, in 2023 Congress passed a law requiring the FDA to release new standards for industry testing.
The decision came in the wake of multiple lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, one of the biggest manufacturers of baby powder. Thousands of people have claimed baby powder caused ovarian and other cancers.
The new proposal is open to public comment for 90 days before the FDA can make it an official rule.
