FDA finds no asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics: 2023 testing results released

In a Cosmetics Constituent Update released last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has disclosed the results of its comprehensive testing of talc-containing cosmetic products for asbestos in 2023. This initiative, which utilized Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) methodologies, sought to assess the safety of these products for consumer use amidst ongoing concerns regarding potential asbestos contamination.

Fifty samples were tested by AMA Analytical Services, Inc. (AMA), which was awarded a contract to conduct the product testing and determined that no asbestos was detected in any of the tested products.

2023 test sampling pool

AMA was selected for the FDA testing contact “because of its expertise and experience in asbestos testing, and because it is accredited for the analysis of asbestos in bulk materials through the National Institute of Standards and Technology administered National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NIST-NVLAP),” according to the FDA’s update​. The organization has experience collaborating with the FDA on past testing initiatives, having been awarded contacts dating back to 2018 for the annual asbestos in cosmetics testing.

The process was initiated through the FDA’s selection and purchase of cosmetic products, which were then blinded and transferred to AMA for analysis, according to the FDA update. Parameters for selection included “type of talc-containing cosmetic product, price range, popular products on social media and in advertisements, products marketed to children, products marketed to women of color,” the update shared.

Additionally, products flagged for potential asbestos contamination through third-party reports were included in the sampling pool. As detailed in the FDA Summary of Results​ for the 2023 testing, brands that had products tested included L’Oreal Paris, Shiseido, Madison Reed, Almay, Too Faced, Stila, Clairol, and Dior. The types of products tested range from hairline powders to foundation powders, bronzing powders, loose and pressed powders, and setting powders.

For more information

The release of these findings aligns with the FDA fulfilling its mandate under MoCRA, as required under the Act, “FDA intends to promulgate proposed regulations to establish and require standardized testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products,” the update stated.

The organization's current and previous sampling results are readily available on the FDA website for consumers and industry stakeholders seeking more information regarding the FDA’s testing for asbestos contamination in talc-containing cosmetics. The data repository is a resource for informed decision-making and provides further reassurance regarding the safety of talc-containing cosmetic products currently available to consumers.