Concerns about mesothelioma and ovarian cancer risks linked to cosmetics were revived this week as the FDA quietly withdrew its proposed regulation for standardizing testing for asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products. The disappointing action took place on November 28, 2025, just under a year after the “Talc Rule” was proposed in keeping with a congressional mandate.
Mesothelioma Advocates Say FDA’s Withdrawal of Proposed Talc Rule Allows Asbestos in Cosmetics to Continue
The Congress passed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 specifically to address concerns that asbestos in talc products could be causing malignant mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. Though its actions run counter to this goal, the FDA attributed the withdrawal to “Make America Healthy Again” priorities, highly scientific and technical issues raised in public comments, and the complexity of asbestos testing and legal considerations under the Administrative Procedure Act. Though the Agency indicated that it will propose a new Talc Rule, it did so without indicating how or when the revised regulation will differ from the original.
According to the agency, the testing requirements needed to protect against mesothelioma generated concerns from the cosmetic industry about potential effects on talc-containing products being regulated as both cosmetics and drugs. There were also broader concerns about unintended consequences for other consumer products made with talc. Some commenters have requested revised definitions of “asbestos” and other terms to align with approaches used by other federal agencies, including OSHA, MSHA, and EPA.
Mesothelioma Prevention Standards Vary Internationally
Internationally, there are significant disparities in regulations meant to prevent mesothelioma, both in terms of regulations about cosmetics specifically and about asbestos and talc generally. Asbestos has been banned in the European Union and many other countries around the world, and there is an expectation that talc will be similarly recommended that it be classified as a Category 1B carcinogen. The FDA’s withdrawal adds to the many ways that American industry has impeded the country from adopting rules that reflect global concerns.
Despite the congressional goal of adopting scientifically-based detection and testing methods aimed at detecting asbestos in talc-containing products sold in the United States, the FDA’s withdrawal means that American consumers will continue to be vulnerable to mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other outcomes of asbestos exposure in cosmetics.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
