Gloss Angeles – "What You Need to Know About the FDA Killing Talc Testing"

Hosts: Kirbie Johnson & Sara Tan
Date: December 5, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Tuesday news round-up, Kirbie and Sara dissect widespread misinformation about the recent FDA withdrawal of a proposal mandating asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics—a hot topic causing confusion and concern in beauty circles. The duo break down what the FDA actually did, the role of talc in cosmetics, and consumer worries about product safety. True to form, they also share current beauty favorites, pop culture tidbits, and a signature blend of humor, skepticism, and practical advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FDA, Talc, and Misinformation

[27:35 – 32:27]

• The FDA has withdrawn a proposed rule (via last year’s discussed MoCRA framework) that would have required standardized asbestos testing in talc-containing cosmetics.
• Many online misinterpretations suggested the FDA had stopped or rolled back actual existing testing—not the case.

  “Let’s just be very clear. The FDA never did this. Like, it is not a requirement by the FDA for brands to submit and then have them test to whether…there’s asbestos.” – Kirby [27:50]

• The proposal was not law—just a regulatory suggestion. Its withdrawal, while disappointing (“stupid to kill this”), doesn’t change the current state: there was never mandatory FDA talc/asbestos testing.
• Why was it withdrawn? Both hosts speculate on industry pressure.

  “In my head I go, who is paying this administration to kill this?” – Kirbie [29:14]

• Promises exist that a broader, future proposal may be crafted.

Consumer Safety Facts:

• The FDA did independent tests of top 50 talc-based products in 2023, finding NO asbestos contamination. (Charlotte Tilbury and One/Size specifically mentioned.)

  “There was no cross-contamination…they found absolutely no asbestos in talc.” – Kirbie [30:19]

• Online outrage is largely rooted in fear-mongering.

  "A lot of the videos I’ve seen … are people with no credentials in any type of beauty formulation... just decided to go on a crusade." – Kirbie [32:11]

2. Why Talc Is Still in Popular Beauty Products

[30:57 – 32:27]

• Some leading powders (Charlotte Tilbury, One/Size) still contain talc—explained as a reason for their unique performance.

  “If you like a powder and you like the way it looks on your face, guarantee… because of the talc.” – Kirbie [31:06]

• Brands are increasingly removing talc, but where it remains, no testing mandate exists unless self-imposed.

3. Beauty Favorites ("W.O.I.F.")

[17:43 – 27:32]

• Sara's Pick: Sarah Creal Moisture Source Essence – delivers an “instant juicy hydration” and “makes your skin just look so gorge.” ($95 for full size; prefers the pump on the mini.)

  "It is. So this is technically an essence. It’s her essence. But I use it like a moisturizer during the day and then I do use it as an essence at night." – Sara [17:53]

• Kirbie’s Pick: Chrom Micro Brush Set by Annie Kreighbaum – five artisanal Japanese-made miniature brushes with a compelling manual and tallow-based brush soap.

  “Annie was like, okay, I want to start this brand that’s all about the vanity... we’re going to kick things off with these little mini brushes.” – Kirbie [23:24]

• Both hosts revel in the return of “W.O.I.F.”, a lighthearted segment showcasing what they’re trying, testing, and loving.

4. Department Store Revamps & Pop Culture Tangents

[02:01 – 16:04]

• The evolution of Macy’s (millennial-driven management, layout focused on beauty sections) and the comeback of Toys R Us.
• Holiday shopping recaps: beauty at department stores is “looking a lot more like Sephoras.”
• Extensive Spotify Wrapped banter, celebrating what the hosts and their families listened to in 2025.
• TV/documentary recommendations (“The Beast in Me” with Claire Danes, Charlie Sheen doc; glow-ups of Denise Richards and Kris Jenner discussed).

5. Community Connection

[16:04 – 17:43]

• Appreciation for listeners (“Thank you to everyone who had Los Angeles as their number one podcast of the year.” – Kirbie [15:48])
• Reflections on how audio and visual perceptions of hosts can differ, leading to playful banter about listeners' mental images.
• Reminder of the support Slack community and transparency in beauty recommendations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On FDA & Asbestos Confusion:

  “You’re getting mad about something that was never going to happen.” – Kirbie [28:43]

• Consumer Worries:

  “This is a talking point that is used to fear monger a lot of people, but I also…understand why people have their concerns, especially with all the Johnson & Johnson drama.” – Kirbie [30:27]

• On Beauty Product Testing:

  “It’s really just up to the consumer.” – Sara [31:25]

• On Vanity Nostalgia:

  “Vanities have kind of died. Like, there’s…not like the old school vanity that kind of looks like a desk, that it’s made out of wood, that it has, like, the three panel mirror.” – Kirbie [21:04]

• Personal Touch:

  “It makes me…my friggin heart so emoji warm my friggin heart.” – Kirbie (on podcast listener enthusiasm) [15:48]

Important Timestamps

| Segment/Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Macy’s, department stores & beauty layout chat | 02:01–05:24 | | Spotify Wrapped/pop culture chatter | 06:27–09:41 | | Recommendations: TV docs/facelifts glow-up | 12:20–14:18 | | Slack community & audio/visual identity talk | 16:04–16:49 | | Revival of “W.O.I.F.” segment (favorite products) | 17:43–27:32 | | FDA Talc Testing Proposal—core discussion | 27:35–32:27 |

Summary Takeaways

• The FDA did NOT “kill asbestos testing in cosmetics.” No such regulation previously required testing; a proposal for future standardization was withdrawn but not replaced with a ban or rollback.
• Consumers should remain informed but not panic—2023 FDA tests on popular talc products found ZERO asbestos.
• The talc-in-cosmetics conversation is complex, driven by consumer worry and online misinformation. The hosts urge skepticism toward fear-based beauty content from non-experts.
• Alongside headline news, Kirbie and Sara champion thoughtfully tested product recs (Sarah Creal Moisture Source, Chrom Micro Brush Set) and the return of relatable, honest beauty chat.

For anyone new to the topic:
The FDA news is more about bureaucratic inaction than actual regulatory backtracking. Your current talc-based favorite is, per latest tests, likely asbestos-free—but stay tuned for any future shifts in cosmetic safety policy.