Few take the time to look at what is in their makeup, but it seems safe to assume that what is meant to go on your skin is not hazardous. In reality, many ingredients in cosmetics that may be harmful.
The case against Revlon
Laura McDaniel’s father worked for Revlon, a giant in the cosmetics industry. In January 2020, McDaniel was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which she believes is a result of her father’s employment and contact with Revlon products.
In February, McDaniel took up a lawsuit against Revlon Inc. for damages relating to talcum powder products containing asbestos. McDaniel names several products as the cause, but the lawsuit focuses on the Jean Nate Silkening Body Powder, created by Revlon in. Her father gave her the products during his employment with the company.
McDaniel is seeking $20 million in compensatory damage (pain and suffering) and $40 million in punitive damages (misconduct of the company). Her husband, Edward McDaniel, is seeking $5 million for loss of companionship and suffering.
The connection between talc and asbestos
The association between talc and asbestos comes from their inter-twined proximity during mining. They usual appear naturally together in the mine, but there is still no strict regulation for cosmetic talc.
Talcum powder has been featured in thousands of asbestos and mesothelioma cases. Many lawsuits are against Johnson & Johnson Inc. for a similar product, baby powder. You can still buy it today.
2019 brought a surge of asbestos discovery as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a year-long study, testing 52 brands of cosmetic products. Asbestos was found in at least nine, including:
- Claire’s: Compact Powder #83915-9, Contour Palette #40194-3, JoJo Siwa Makeup Set
- City Color: Contour Effects Palette 2, Timeless Beauty Palette, Matte Blush in Fuchsia, Shimmer Bronzer in Caramel, Bronzer in Sunset
- Johnson & Johnson: Baby Powder
Many products have been recalled, though Johnson & Johnson held private tests and denies the claims made by the FDA. Testing will continue by the FDA throughout 2020, though cosmetic products do not require FDA approval for sale.
