Makeup Recall Tested Positive for Asbestos

April 24, 2019

In March 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a consumer warning concerning the possibility of asbestos found in cosmetic products sold at Claire’s Stores, Inc. and Justice. Asbestos is a carcinogen that contaminates talc, a powdery substance found in common hygiene products, such as makeup; it has been used in different industries over the years but has been outlawed in recent decades. Long term exposure to asbestos can cause several forms of cancer, including mesothelioma.

Sold between October 2016 and March 2019, Claire’s Eye Shadows, Claire’s Compact Powder, and Claire’s Contour Palette have all been removed from retailer shelves. The affected products and lot numbers include:

• Claire’s Eye Shadows: Batch No/Lot No: 08/17
• Claire’s Compact Powder: Batch No/Lot No: 07/15
• Claire’s Contour Palette: Batch No/Lot No: 04/17

Any consumer who purchased these products is urged to immediately discontinue use and return the product to Claire’s for a full refund.

No Recall Issued After FDA Warning

In 2017, a concerned customer sent makeup kits sold at Claire’s to an independent testing facility where it was found positive for asbestos. Claire’s recalled nine of their makeup kits because of these results and began their own testing. The FDA also decided to get involved.

The FDA issued a warning to consumers about the presence of asbestos in products sold at Claire’s and Justice. Claire’s initially believed that the products in question were no longer sold at their stores, therefore, they did not issue a recall.  After mounting pressure from the FDA and consumers, the three products that tested positive for asbestos were voluntarily recalled by Claire’s on March 12, 2019.

New Legislation

The FDA does not have the authority to recall cosmetic products like they do with other consumer products. Cosmetic manufacturers do not have to report ingredients or register with the FDA. However, The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2018 was introduced to Congress in September 2018 to allow the FDA to impose greater safety regulations concerning the cosmetic industry, giving them power to ban and recall products deemed unsafe for consumers. A potential investigation into the cosmetic industry by the House Oversight Committee is likely.

Claire’s Looks to the Future

Claire’s urges all consumers to return the affected products right away. They also claim that they discontinued the use of talc in all their products within the past year. In their recall announcement, Claire’s stated that it understands many parents trust them and expect them to hold the highest safety standards. To date, no adverse effects have been reported because of these products. All consumers that may be experiencing effects of the questioned products are urged to contact the FDA immediately.

Delaware Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Those Affected by Asbestos Exposure

If you have suffered or been exposed to asbestos because of recalled cosmetic products, contact the Delaware asbestos lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. Our experienced lawyers can evaluate your claim and help fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.