Asbestos Found in Talc-Based Eye Shadow Palettes

According to lab tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), asbestos was found in two talc-based eye shadow palettes. Unfortunately, this is not the first time asbestos has appeared in products where it shouldn’t be. 

The two products were from a brand called Jmkcoz and up until May 26th of this year, were sold on the company’s website as well as on Amazon and Ebay. The Jmkcoz 120 Colors Eyeshadow Palette and the Beauty Glazed Gorgeous Me Eye Shadow Tray Palette both contained alarming levels of asbestos.

Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc.,  located in Greensboro, NC, performed the lab tests on behalf of the EWG. This institute is one of the most renowned laboratories for testing the presence of asbestos in consumer goods.

Tests found “nearly 3.9 million asbestos fiber structures per gram of eye shadow” in the 120 Colors Eyeshadow Palette. There were 45 color shades from the kit examined, 40% (18) contained asbestos. 

According to EWG, the Beauty Glazed Gorgeous Me Eye Shadow Tray Palette also had “levels up to 3.5 million asbestos fiber structures per gram of eyeshadow.” Of the 25 shades tested from the kit, 20% (5) contained the toxic fibers.

A senior scientist at the EWG, Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., made a statement urging “anyone who has purchased either of these products for themselves, family or friends to take the necessary steps to ensure they are no longer being used.” 

The EWG also made an announcement out of caution advising parents and caregivers to stop purchasing toy makeup kits containing talc as an ingredient.

How Does Asbestos Contaminate Talc-Based Cosmetics?

Like asbestos, talc is a naturally occurring mineral mined from the ground. Asbestos and talc are geologically located alongside each other in rock formations. This makes it easy for talc deposits in various regions to become contaminated with asbestos fibers. 

Talc is ground into a fine powder, known as talcum powder, and used in a variety of cosmetic products. Talcum powder keeps skin dry by soaking up moisture on the skin and reducing friction. Since asbestos particles are microscopic, they often mix in with the talcum and become hidden in the powder.

Talc powder when contaminated by asbestos  can be released into the air and inhaled or ingested. Even the smallest amounts of exposure to this toxic substance can lead to a rare and aggressive cancer known as mesothelioma. 

The news of asbestos in these eye shadow palettes is just a recent example of asbestos contaminating cosmetics with talc as an ingredient. Since the start of 2019, there have been numerous reports of asbestos in cosmetic products:

• The EWG performed lab tests and identified asbestos in children’s toy make-up sets,  January 2019
• Johnson and Johnson voluntarily recalled some of its Baby Powder products after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found traces of asbestos in samples, October 2019
• FDA issued an alert urging consumers to stop using certain Claire’s cosmetics after finding asbestos in at least three talc-based products, March 2019
• The FDA issued an alert after the EWG confirmed asbestos in four different talc-based products marketed by Beauty Plus, September 2019

If you or your loved one has developed mesothelioma and used one of these kits, contact one of our lawyers today. At BCBH Law, we have helped many patients recover some much needed compensation for their cancer diagnosis. 

Oftentimes, patients and their loved ones are able to use this compensation to pay for treatment, lost wages and other unexpected expenses due to their illness. Fill out our free case evaluation form today to see what financial options are available to you.