Asbestos Back In Cosmetics In 2025

The Quiet Deregulation That Should Terrify Everyone

Yes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has abruptly withdrawn a proposed rule that would have mandated asbestos testing in talc-containing cosmetics. 

The rule, required by the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), aimed to establish standardized testing methods for detecting asbestos, a known carcinogen, in talc products. The FDA stated it needs to ensure any required test method effectively detects asbestos and noted comments suggested the rule would have "unintended consequences" for other products, including some drugs. 

Consumer safety advocates and environmental groups, including More Perfect Union and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), have strongly criticized the decision, calling it "reckless and dangerous". Critics argue the withdrawal removes essential consumer protections and forces reliance on the "honor system" for companies to test their products. 
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The FDA intends to issue a new proposed rule that offers a "more comprehensive approach" to reducing asbestos exposure and identifying less costly alternatives. The withdrawal notice is scheduled to be officially published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2025

And before anyone shrugs—let’s be extremely clear about what asbestos is. It’s not controversial.

It’s not “under review.”

It’s not something scientists are still debating.

It’s a deadly substance linked to:

• Cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Chronic illness
• And long, painful deaths

We have known this for decades. Corporations have known this for decades. Our government has known this for decades.

So why would the FDA suddenly drop a rule requiring testing?

We all know the answer - because mega corporations & their billionaire owners that make these products, do not want to pay for the testing. And the politicians who depend on corporate donors don’t want to upset the companies.

So instead of strengthening protections, we’re removing them, and we’re expected to believe that’s normal.

This is how deregulation actually works.

It’s not always a press conference or an executive order.

It’s a rule disappearing quietly.

It’s a guideline being “reconsidered.”

It’s an agency suddenly deciding safety is optional.

Then, a few years later—after the damage is already done—someone publishes a study showing increased cancer rates in young women who used a certain powder or foundation.

And everyone acts shocked. “How could this happen?”

So what do we do?

We support organizations and journalists exposing corporate influence inside federal agencies.

We stop pretending consumer safety is a luxury.

And we stop letting politicians use “regulation” as a dirty word while corporations walk away with record profits and zero accountability.

Because the job of government is not to protect corporate margins.
It’s to protect human beings.
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And right now, that could not be further from the truth.