A new documentary on HBO Max, “Not So Pretty”, shines a light on the prevalence of talc in cosmetic products. It is the first documentary aimed at exposing the safety standards in the beauty industry and the dangers of the unregulated ingredients prevalent in beauty products.
The first episode of the documentary series focuses on the issue of asbestos in talcum-containing products. Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest and most well-known suppliers of talc products in the cosmetic industry, has settled to the tune of $100 million for claimants who became ill due to the use of their talc.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, which often occurs alongside asbestos. The company vehemently denies that its products contain carcinogens. Following an appeal judgment, the company explained that “decades of independent scientific evaluations confirm Johnson’s Baby Powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.”
The episode includes an interview with an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Tom Mchattie, who was a long time user of Johnson & Johnson products, and Corrin Ortillo, who works in makeup, both of whom have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The documentary series covers interviews with journalists and researchers, who explain the extensive work that has been done, alongside activist groups, to raise awareness of the effects of asbestos exposure and the lack of regulation in the cosmetic industry in the US.