FDA Reverses Major Rule on Asbestos Testing in Cosmetics Amid Public Opposition
In a significant regulatory shift, the FDA has rescinded a proposed rule that would have mandated manufacturers to test talc-containing cosmetic products for asbestos contamination. This rule, initially announced on December 26, 2024, was a part of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) requirements but faced substantial industry resistance.
The now-withdrawn rule would have compelled manufacturers to utilize both Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to identify asbestos in popular beauty products. These include:
- Eyeshadows
- Foundations
- Baby powders
Companies would have encountered costs ranging from $1.29 million to $6.78 million annually to adhere to the testing requirements.
An FDA spokesperson stated that the agency remains committed to ensuring safety and will issue a “new proposed rule that offers a more comprehensive approach to reducing exposure to asbestos”. This decision aligns with the new administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” priorities. The withdrawal occurs despite concerns about asbestos contamination in talc-containing cosmetics, which has been associated with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma cases.