J&J Discontinues Talc Baby Powder

J&J Ends Talc Baby Powder Sales Worldwide

Johnson & Johnson has discontinued its talc-based baby powder globally, completing the transition to a cornstarch-based formula in 2023.

The decision follows years of litigation over allegations that asbestos-contaminated talc in the company’s products caused mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.

Timeline of Discontinuation

Why Talc Was Discontinued

The discontinuation came after:

Legal pressure:

• Over 62,000 talcum powder lawsuits were pending as of 2024
• Multiple billion-dollar verdicts against J&J
• Ongoing litigation in state and federal courts

FDA findings:

• In 2019, the FDA found asbestos in samples of Johnson’s Baby Powder
• J&J recalled 33,000 bottles following the FDA discovery

Scientific concerns:

• Studies linking talc use to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer
• IARC classified talc as “probably carcinogenic” (Group 2A) in 2024

Company Position

Despite discontinuing talc products, Johnson & Johnson maintains that:

• Their talc products were safe
• Products were asbestos-free
• The decision was based on declining demand, not safety concerns

However, internal documents revealed in court proceedings have shown the company was aware of asbestos contamination concerns for decades.

What Replaced Talc

Johnson’s Baby Powder is now made with cornstarch instead of talc:

Cornstarch provides similar moisture-absorbing properties without the geological association with asbestos.

Ongoing Litigation

The discontinuation has not ended legal action. As of 2026:

• 90,000+ lawsuits pending against J&J
• Recent verdicts include $1.56 billion (December 2025) and $966 million (October 2025)
• J&J has attempted the “Texas Two-Step” bankruptcy strategy three times
• Courts have rejected J&J’s attempts to resolve claims through subsidiary bankruptcy
• Individual trials continue in courts across the country

The “Texas Two-Step” strategy:

J&J created a subsidiary called LTL Management to absorb talc liabilities, then filed that subsidiary for bankruptcy. Courts have repeatedly rejected this approach:

• First bankruptcy filing (2021): Dismissed
• Second bankruptcy filing (2023): Dismissed
• Third bankruptcy filing (2025): Under review

The strategy has drawn criticism from bankruptcy experts, consumer advocates, and some judges as an abuse of bankruptcy law to avoid jury trials.

What This Means for Consumers

For those who used talc-based J&J products:

• Document your usage history
• Inform healthcare providers of past exposure
• Be aware of latency periods (mesothelioma can develop 20–50 years after exposure)
• Consult with an attorney if diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer

For current consumers:

• Johnson’s Baby Powder (cornstarch formula) is now available
• Check product labels to verify ingredients
• Other talc-based products from various manufacturers may still be on shelves

Broader Industry Impact

J&J’s decision has influenced the broader market:

• Multiple companies have reformulated products
• Increased demand for talc-free cosmetics and powders
• Greater consumer awareness of talc risks
• Continued scrutiny of talc in cosmetics