Claire's refutes asbestos claims, says makeup is safe

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jan 4, 2018

Teenage girl mall chain Claire's has pulled 9 products from its shelves amidst an investigation claiming tremolite asbestos was in 17 products sold in 9 states. Claire's is denying the claims but is honoring returns.

Claire's came under fire last week after an independently funded investigation revealed tremolite asbestos in the cosmetics. Tremolite asbestos are the kind of asbestos linked to mesothelioma, a form of cancer. The investigation took place in Rhode Island and was co-funded by a mother and the law firm she works at.

The lab that carried out the testing, Rhode Island's Scientific Analytical Institute, routinely tests powders and talcs for asbestos contamination. Sean Fitzgerald, the scientist on the investigation, reported that the Institute found asbestos in 24 talc-based makeup items in 17 Claire's makeup kits. Specific cosmetics included eye shadows, blushes and compact powders.

The products in question are the Ultimate Mega Makeup Set, Metallic Hot Pink Glitter 48-piece makeup set, Pink Glitter Cellphone Makeup Compact, Bedazzled Rainbow Heart Makeup Set, Rainbow Bedazzled Star Makeup Set, Rainbow Glitter Heart Shaped Makeup Set, Mint Glitter Makeup Set,  Rainbow Bedazzled Rectangle Makeup Set and the Pink Glitter Palette with eyeshadow & lip gloss.

Claire's is standing its ground saying the products are asbestos free. "The initial results of testing by an independent certified laboratory show that the cosmetics tested to date are asbestos free," the retailer told the Miami Herald.  "Out of an abundance of caution, additional testing is underway. We have also confirmed that the talcum ingredient supply is from a certified asbestos-free European vendor."

Claire's added that while it is standing by its product, the company will honor returns for any customers who still are "uncomfortable" about using the product.

The Claire's investigation follows a similar story from last year involving Justice, another teen girl retailer that was found to have carcinogenic ingredients in its makeup kits.