More asbestos has been found in makeup from Claire’s and Beauty Plus Global. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use it.
Asbestos is extremely dangerous. Both Claire’s and Beauty Plus Global voluntarily recalled the products. The products are Beauty Plus Global Contour Effects Palette 2, Batch No. S1603002/PD-C1179 and Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set, SKU #888711136337, Batch/Lot No. S180109. The alert that the FDA issued came long after they urged the public to throw out three cosmetic products from Claire’s if they had it that had tested positive for asbestos. Originally Claire’s disputed what the FDA had found but then they agreed to recall the products. Since 2017 Claire’s products have been under scrutiny. Along with the FDA, the non-profit U.S. Public Interest Research Group found “high levels of asbestos” contained in three of Claire’s products. These products were Claire’s Eyeshadows, UPC # 888711847165, SKU #84716, Lot No. 08/17 and Claire’s Compact Powder, UPC #888711839153, SKU #83915, Lot No. 07/15 and Claire’s Contour Palette, UPC #888711401947, SKU #40194, Lot No. 04/17. Claire’s said that the JoJo Makeup Kit was recalled after they saw that the FDA’s tests indicated the “possible presence of trace amounts of asbestos fibers” inside of the eyeshadow. But the company also said that it “stands behind the safety of this item” as well as all other Claire’s cosmetic items. According to the European and Canadian cosmetic regulations the small amount of asbestos they have in their makeup is considered acceptable. Claire’s said that last year they moved to talc free makeup manufacturing so that there would no longer be worries about what their makeup contains in terms of talc. They added that refunds would be provided to anyone who had purchased this makeup that they now have recalled. Beauty Plus is based in Shanghai and their U.S. subsidiary did not immediately offer the requested comment. According to the World Health Organizations there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. It can cause many diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos is banned in the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States efforts have been made to prohibit asbestos. But all the efforts have been blocked by the asbestos suppliers. They argue that if asbestos is banned then thousands of people would lose their jobs. Asbestos used to be very common among construction materials due to the fact that it is a great fire preventer. But now it has been found to cause a multitude of illnesses. Claire’s made this statement:
We assure customers that our products are safe
Out of an abundance of caution, we have removed the three products identified by the FDA from our stores, and are also removing any remaining talc based cosmetic products. We will honor returns of any Claire’s talc based cosmetics.
There is no evidence that any products sold by Claire’s are unsafe. In early 2018, the three items identified by the FDA were extensively tested by multiple independent accredited laboratories, and all products were found to be compliant with all relevant cosmetic safety regulations. The recent test results the FDA has shared with us show significant errors. Specifically, the FDA test reports have mischaracterized fibers in the products as asbestos, in direct contradiction to established EPA and USP criteria for classifying asbestos fibers. Despite our efforts to discuss these issues with the FDA, they insisted on moving forward with their release. We are disappointed that the FDA has taken this step, and we will continue to work with them to demonstrate the safety of our products.
(Claire’s)
There are no laws that require American cosmetic manufacturers to test their cosmetics for safety before they sell them. It’s only the honor system. In California, companies are required to report if their products have harmful chemicals. But it isn’t enforced. And how does this affect you? First and most obviously, don’t use those specific cosmetics. As they were recalled and taken off of the shelves, you can’t buy them, but don’t use them either. Also, make sure you know what is in your makeup. And your house. Because if asbestos is in your house or your makeup it is just as dangerous. So if you’ve got asbestos in your house or building call us to get it removed at (312) 586-8713.