Claire's Opts to Honor Returns Despite Negative Testing

Claire's in late December said it would continue accepting customer returns of certain children's makeup sets alleged to contain asbestos. The company explained (bit.ly/2qomCR9) this was despite initial third-party tests that did not find the substance. Just before Christmas, it pulled the products, following a report by Rhode Island NBC-affiliate WJAR.

According to the station, the allegations stem from testing sought by a woman who had concerns about make-up her daughter was using. She also is employed by The Deaton Law Firm, according to WJAR. The Providence firm represents plaintiffs in asbestos cases. The woman's testing was by Scientific Analytical Institute in North Carolina.

Claire's additionally explained that it will be seeking additional testing but that it had "confirmed that the talcum ingredient supply is from a certified asbestos free European vendor." The products are under FDA jurisdiction.

The station asserts 17 items are involved. Claire's is referencing nine: Ultimate Mega Make Up Set, Metallic Hot Pink Glitter 48 Piece Makeup Set, Pink Glitter Cellphone Makeup Compact, Bedazzled Rainbow Heart Makeup Set, Rainbow Bedazzled Star Make Up Set, Rainbow Glitter Heart Shaped Makeup Set, Mint Glitter Make Up Set, Rainbow Bedazzled Rectangle Make Up Set, and Pink Glitter Palette with Eyeshadow & Lip Gloss.