How Avon Used Talc in Its Products
Avon sold talc-based powders through catalogs and retail channels for many years. Talcum powder absorbs moisture and reduces friction, so it improved how Avon’s products felt on the skin.
While the company marketed these items as safe, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has since found asbestos in several cosmetic powders from various brands. This includes talc supplied to Avon by Imerys — one of the world’s largest talc producers — which at times tested positive for asbestos.
When Avon products were used:
- Fine powder could easily become airborne.
- Asbestos fibers could be breathed in or swallowed.
- Daily use could lead to long-term, repeated exposure.
Because mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can take up to 50 years to develop, many people did not immediately connect their diagnosis to the use of talcum powder. As awareness grew, Avon became the focus of talc lawsuits from consumers who say asbestos-contaminated powders caused their cancer.
If you or a family member developed mesothelioma after using Avon talcum powder or cosmetic products, you may qualify for compensation. Get a Free Case Review with our partner law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy to learn more.
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Avon Talc Products Named in Asbestos Lawsuits
Avon sold many talc-based powders used for fragrance, moisture control, and cosmetic purposes. Several of these products have been named in asbestos lawsuits.
Avon talc powder products mentioned in legal claims include:
- Avon Bird of Paradise Perfumed Dusting Powder
- Avon Charisma Dusting Powder
- Avon Imari Dusting Powder
- Avon Night Magic Dusting Powder
- Avon Odyssey Dusting Powder
- Avon Skin-So-Soft Soft & Sensual Body Powder
- Avon Timeless Dusting Powder
- Avon Unforgettable Dusting Powder
These are not the only Avon talc products that may have contained asbestos. Avon sold many talc-based powders before safer alternatives like cornstarch became common. Anyone who got sick after being exposed to asbestos through Avon talc powder may be able to pursue financial compensation.
Who Is Eligible to File an Avon Lawsuit Claim?
This depends on your diagnosis and exposure history. Both patients and family members may qualify, even if the exposure happened many years ago.
You may be eligible for compensation if you or a loved one:
- Were diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or lung cancer
- Used Avon body talc powder or cosmetic powders regularly
- Worked for Avon or were exposed to talc dust in an Avon facility
- Experienced secondhand asbestos exposure through a family member
- Lost a loved one to an asbestos-related illness
We can connect you with mesothelioma attorneys who can listen to your story, explain which claims may apply, and help you take the next step. Start now with a free case review.
Avon Jobs That May Have Been at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Some people faced exposure at home from consumer use of Avon talc products. Others may have faced higher exposure at work through certain occupations that brought them in contact with talc dust.
Avon workers who may have been at risk include:
- Machine operators and line workers in powder production areas
- Maintenance workers who cleaned powder dust from equipment
- Manufacturing workers in facilities that made or packaged powders
- Quality control workers who tested ingredients or finished products
- Warehouse and shipping workers who handled bulk containers
Workers in cosmetics manufacturing could breathe in airborne dust during routine tasks. Family members also faced secondary exposure from talc dust brought home on their loved one’s clothing.
Avon Talc Lawsuits and Jury Verdicts
Hundreds of people nationwide have filed asbestos lawsuits against Avon for cancers or other health conditions caused by their exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc.
These lawsuits claim:
- Avon sold talc products that contained asbestos.
- Avon didn’t warn consumers about the risk.
- Long-term use contributed to cancer.
A widely reported talc case handled by Simmons Hanly Conroy involved an Illinois janitor who developed mesothelioma after workplace exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc at an Avon facility. The case resulted in a $24.4 million jury verdict in 2024.
“Many of my clients had no idea these products could be dangerous because they were marketed as safe for decades.”
A California jury awarded $52.1 million in another mesothelioma case involving long-term use of Avon talc products.
Avon Bankruptcy and Trust Fund Plans
Avon Products, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2024 after facing hundreds of lawsuits claiming its talc-based products exposed people to asbestos. As legal costs and claims continued to grow, the company used bankruptcy to manage its asbestos-related liabilities.
In August 2025, a federal bankruptcy judge approved Avon’s bankruptcy plan. This approval allows Avon to move forward with creating an asbestos trust fund. The trust fund is meant to pay people who were harmed by asbestos exposure from Avon products. Once the trust is active, claims typically begin paying out in 90 days or less.
Because many people are exposed to asbestos through more than one product or manufacturer, it’s common to qualify for multiple trust fund claims.
Mesothelioma Hope’s legal partners can determine the sources of your exposure and identify which trust funds you may be eligible to file claims with. See if you qualify now.
How an Asbestos Talc Exposure Law Firm Can Help
Filing a legal claim for compensation after an asbestos-related illness can seem overwhelming, especially when the exposure came from something you used every day. However, a law firm that focuses on asbestos exposure can build your case so you don’t have to deal with complicated court rules or paperwork.
This includes:
- Reviewing your history using talcum powder products
- Confirming whether your diagnosis is linked to asbestos exposure
- Gathering medical records, pathology reports, and expert testimony
- Working to hold Avon and other companies accountable for your illness
- Pursuing compensation for treatment and family support
We work closely with top law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy to help families affected by asbestos exposure from talc products, including cases involving Avon.
Pursuing Avon Talc Compensation
If you or someone you love used Avon talc products and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, you may have legal options.
Filing a claim can help cover medical bills, replace lost income, and hold companies accountable for selling unsafe cosmetic products.
Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with our team or request a free case review with Simmons Hanly Conroy to learn more about your rights. There’s no cost and no obligation to move forward.
Avon Talc and Asbestos FAQs
Does Avon powder contain talc?
Yes. For many years, Avon sold body powders, dusting powders, and some cosmetic products made with talc. Talc is a soft mineral that helps absorb moisture and keep skin dry, which is why it was commonly used in powders.
These talc-based products were often marketed for daily use and were popular for decades. Over time, concerns grew about whether some talc used in cosmetics could contain asbestos.
Does Avon talc contain asbestos?
Some Avon talc products may have contained asbestos, according to lawsuits, testing results, and internal records cited in court cases. Talc and asbestos can form close together in the ground. When talc is mined, asbestos fibers can mix into the talc if it’s not properly tested and processed.
People who used talc products that contained asbestos may have breathed in or swallowed tiny fibers without knowing it. Over many years, this exposure can increase the risk of diseases like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, get a free case review to learn whether Avon talc exposure may be linked to your diagnosis.
What Avon products contain talc?
Avon sold many products that used talc as an ingredient over the years. Talc was commonly used in body powders and dusting powders because it absorbs moisture and helps products feel smooth on the skin.
Some Avon products that were sold as talc-based powders include:
- Avon Bird of Paradise Perfumed Dusting Powder
- Avon Charisma Dusting Powder
- Avon Imari Dusting Powder
- Avon Night Magic Dusting Powder
- Avon Odyssey Dusting Powder
- Avon Skin-So-Soft Soft & Sensual Body Powder
- Avon Timeless Dusting Powder
- Avon Unforgettable Dusting Powder
It’s important to note that Avon sold many talc-based powders over several decades, and not every product in every time period has been fully tested.
Does Avon still use talc?
Yes, but only in a small number of products, and only with cosmetic-grade talc that has been tested and confirmed to be asbestos-free.
According to Avon Products, Inc., talc is a natural mineral used in some cosmetics because it absorbs moisture, feels smooth, and helps spread color evenly. Most Avon products do not contain talc, but a few still do.
Why did Avon stop selling body powder?
Avon stopped selling talc-based body powders to address safety concerns about talc. Talc is a natural mineral that can sometimes be found near asbestos in the ground, which raised concerns about loose powders that could be breathed in.
As a result, Avon reformulated its body powders using ingredients like cornstarch. Avon continues to sell body powders and still uses small amounts of cosmetic-grade talc in a few other products. This talc is carefully tested to confirm it does not contain asbestos.
What is the lawsuit against Avon talcum powder?
The lawsuits against Avon allege that some of its talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos and caused serious health problems. These lawsuits allege that Avon failed to warn consumers about the risks of using talc products over long periods of time.
People who file these lawsuits report being diagnosed with:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Many plaintiffs say they used Avon talcum powders regularly for years and were never told that talc could contain asbestos. The lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and financial support for caregivers.
Did Avon file for bankruptcy?
Yes, Avon Products, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024. The filing was linked to ongoing financial problems and increasing legal pressure, including many lawsuits related to talc products and asbestos exposure.
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean victims lose their right to seek compensation. Instead, claims are handled through a bankruptcy-related legal process designed to address current and future claims fairly.
Depending on your situation:
- Your claim may continue through the bankruptcy process.
- Other companies involved may be named in a lawsuit.
- Compensation may still be available through settlements or trust funds.
An experienced attorney can explain how Avon’s bankruptcy may affect your specific case and help you understand your legal options. Get started now with a free case review.
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