Recall issued after NC agency finds ‘alarming rates’ of asbestos in makeup for kids

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Claire’s stores are pulling some children’s makeup off their shelves over asbestos claims by a Rhode Island mother and law firm.

Eyewitness News asked Claire’s to respond to those claims and as a result, the retail chain said it will investigate and is taking action out of an abundance of caution.

Mackenzie is 6 years old and loves playing with makeup.

Her mom says this glitter makeup kit from a Claire’s store in Providence was one of her favorites.

“You assume that when you’re purchasing it, it is safe,” Kristiana Warner said.

Warner works at a law firm that specializes in asbestos litigation. She says she was already working with a lab on another case and decided to have her daughter’s makeup tested.

According to a report Warner showed Eyewitness News from the Scientific Analytical Institute in Greensboro, North Carolina, the glitter makeup kit came back positive for asbestos.

A known carcinogen, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

“I remember literally sinking to the ground just being like, ‘Oh my gosh!’” Warner said.

Attorney John Deaton says the next step was to test more makeup.

In total, 17 samples of makeup from Claire’s stores in nine different states, including eye shadows, blushes and compact powders. A letter from the Scientific Analytical Institute said, “all tested positive at alarming rates.”

“This clearly is not an isolated incident,” Deaton said.

Eyewitness News contacted Claire’s about the claims. A spokesperson said customer safety is paramount:

“We work closely with our vendors to ensure our products are tested and assessed in line with the relevant country regulations and guidelines.”

“As a result of today’s inquiry from WPRI-TV, we have taken the precautionary measure of pulling the items in question from sale, and will be conducting an immediate investigation into the alleged issues. Once we have more information and have the results of the investigation we will take the necessary action.”

Claire’s said if you already have this makeup in your home and you’re uncomfortable about using it, you can return it to the store for a full refund. You can also reach them at 1-800-804-7194 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

List of products (for photos visit their site):

Ultimate Mega Make Up Set
code 71844

Metallic Hot Pink Glitter 48 Piece Makeup Set
code 76094

Pink Glitter Cellphone Makeup Compact
code 26556

Bedazzled Rainbow Heart Makeup Set
code 11767

Rainbow Bedazzled Star Make Up Set
code 20926

Rainbow Glitter Heart Shaped Makeup Set
code 97275

Mint Glitter Make Up Set
code 74769

Rainbow Bedazzled Rectangle Make Up Set
code 21044

Pink Glitter Palette with Eyeshadow & Lip Gloss
code 97276