Asbestos is commonly associated with heavy industry and construction, but recent scientific research has revealed that the cancer-causing mineral is found in a wide range of cosmetics.

According to a growing number of scientific studies and documents obtained in litigation, talcum powder, widely used in makeup for its moisture-absorbing properties, is often contaminated with asbestos.

Despite assurances from brands like Estée Lauder that their talc is asbestos-free, lawsuits filed by cancer victims suggest otherwise and highlight the hidden dangers of asbestos in beauty products.

According to an article in The Guardian, almost all of the big cosmetic brands use talc in their products. It’s found in a range of items, including mascara, lipstick, eye shadow, lipstick, dry shampoo and more.

Connections between talc, asbestos and cancer

Links between talc used in consumer products and carcinogenic asbestos became public in 2018 when an investigation by Reuters revealed that Johnson & Johnson had known for decades that its talc-based baby powder contained asbestos.

According to the American Cancer Society, talc and asbestos are often found together in the same mines. A growing number of studies have established a connection between cosmetic talc exposure and mesothelioma. These include a 2023 study that presented the cases of 166 individuals with mesothelioma, all of whom had exposure to asbestos from cosmetic talc products. The study concluded that “use of cosmetic talc is often overlooked as a source of asbestos exposure” and noted that “mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure.”

About the lawsuits

Big cosmetics companies are facing thousands of lawsuits filed by women who claim that regular use of talc-based cosmetics exposed them to asbestos, which in turn led to their cancer diagnosis.

One woman based in Tennessee was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma following the birth of her third child. She’s suing talc suppliers, cosmetic companies, and Johnson & Johnson. Another woman based in the UK, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in her 30s, is also suing cosmetics companies in the US, claiming the makeup she’s been wearing every day is the cause of her cancer, according to The Guardian.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a deadly type of cancer that develops in the thin tissue that lines several of the internal organs. Pleural mesothelioma grows around the lining of the lungs and chest. It may also form in the tissue of the abdomen, around the heart, and around the testicles. People diagnosed with mesothelioma have a survival rate of four to 18 months, although some patients have lived longer than 10 years. The current five-year survival rate is 10 percent.

What causes mesothelioma?

When a person breathes in asbestos fibers, the particles settle in the lungs, where they can cause inflammation, scarring and cell changes that lead to cancer.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tiredness
• Lumps under the skin on the chest
• Unexplained weight loss

How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure 

Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.