FDA Recall Alert: Cosmetic Products Test Positive for Asbestos

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling on consumers to stop using certain Beauty Plus cosmetic products after asbestos was discovered.

Beauty Plus Global is a China-based company. The firm was forced to recall some of its products in the United States in June 2019 after asbestos was discovered.

In a statement on Sept. 6, the FDA stated Beauty Plus has “voluntarily recalled four cosmetic products that tested positive for asbestos during FDA’s ongoing testing of cosmetics for asbestos.”

The products include:

-Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Collection Matte Blush (Fuchsia), SKU #849136008807, Lot No. 1605020/PD-840

-Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Cosmetics Timeless Beauty Palette, SKU #849136012958, Lot No. 1510068/PD-C864R

-Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Bronzer (Sunset), SKU #849136016017, Lot No. 160634/PD-P712M

-Beauty Plus Global Inc. Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Shimmer Bronzer (Caramel), SKU #849136017106, Lot No. 1612112/PD-840

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to stop using certain Beauty Plus cosmetic products after asbestos was discovered. (FDA)

A full list of the items and labels can be viewed on the FDA’s website.

The agency said that “health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.”

Regarding the asbestos contamination, the FDA also noted that it “is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products. Asbestos however, is a known carcinogen and its health risks are well-documented. During talc mining, if talc mining sites are not selected carefully and steps are taken to purify the talc ore sufficiently, the talc may be contaminated with asbestos.”

Raw asbestos on display in Caligny, France, on June 21, 2012. (Charly Triballeau/AFP/GettyImages)

Asbestos is used to refer to six naturally occurring silicate minerals, and they’re composed of thin, fibrous crystals. According to Asbestos.com, exposure is linked to “several cancers and diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.”

“Although asbestos strengthens and fireproofs materials, it is banned in many countries. Asbestos is not banned in the United States,” it said, adding, “Pure asbestos is an effective insulator, and it can be used in cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials to make them stronger. But when someone inhales or ingests asbestos dust, the mineral fibers can become forever trapped in their body.”

The primary exporters of asbestos are China, Russia, and Kazakhstan, the website says.

In June, the FDA issued a recall on June 6 for the Beauty Plus Global Contour Effects Palette 2 and Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set.

“Beauty Plus Global Contour Effects Palette 2, Batch No. S1603002/PD-C1179; Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set, SKU #888711136337, Batch/Lot No. S180109 because they tested positive for asbestos. Last week both Beauty Plus and Claire’s recalled their respective products, and consumers who have these batches/Lots of Claire’s or Beauty Plus products should stop using them,” the FDA wrote.