SUNJIN NEWSLETTER
FDA Proposes Mandatory Asbestos Testing for Talc-Based Cosmetic Products
By Kim, Yongsung
Translated By Ko, Eunyoung
February 2025, NO.5
Hi, how are you?
On December 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed new regulations mandating asbestos contamination testing for talc-containing cosmetic products. This initiative aligns with the requirements of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022 and aims to strengthen cosmetic safety standards in the United States.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral valued for its heat resistance and insulation properties. It has been widely used in cosmetic ingredients (such as talc), construction materials, and automotive components.
However, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose serious health risks when inhaled. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have classified asbestos as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Key Points of the FDA’s New Asbestos Testing Regulation:
•Mandatory testing for asbestos contamination in talc-based cosmetics
•Implementation of PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) testing methods
•Batch-based sample testing requirements
•Allowing suppliers to provide certificates of analysis, but verification of reliability is mandatory
•Failure to maintain testing records may result in products being deemed defective under the FD&C Act (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act)
Due to the co-mining of talc and asbestos, there is a high risk of asbestos contamination. As a result, countries like the U.S., EU, Canada, South Korea, and Japan have been tightening regulations on talc-containing products.
This regulatory shift also coincides with the rise of the “clean beauty” trend, with consumers increasingly favoring talc-free products.
SUNPRESS-TR is an advanced alternative to traditional talc with superior performance and safety. It offers a smoother, more natural finish with a lower coefficient of friction, ensuring a gentle, irritation-free application. Additionally, its enhanced moldability and durability allow it to withstand drop tests without cracking, offering exceptional quality and reliability.
SUNPRESS-TR is designed to meet both FDA and global clean beauty standards, providing a safer, cutting-edge solution for cosmetic manufacturers. Explore the benefits of SUNPRESS-TR and stay ahead of evolving regulations!
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
Areum Jeong / Regional Sales Manager
E-mail : sales1@sunjinbs.com
