J&J Discontinues Talc Baby Powder
J&J ends talc-based baby powder sales worldwide in 2023, switching to cornstarch. Decision follows 60,000+ lawsuits over asbestos contamination.
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
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| May 2020 | J&J halts talc baby powder sales in North America |
| 2023 | Global discontinuation completed |
| Ongoing | Cornstarch-based Johnson’s Baby Powder available worldwide |
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:
| Ingredient | Source | Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Talc | Mineral mined from earth | Risk of asbestos contamination |
| Cornstarch | Derived from corn | Plant-based, no contamination risk |
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
If you used talc-based J&J products before 2023, document your usage history. Mesothelioma can develop 20-50 years after exposure. Inform your healthcare providers and consult an attorney if diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer.
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
Reader Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did J&J discontinue talc baby powder?
J&J faced over 62,000 lawsuits, multiple billion-dollar verdicts, and FDA findings of asbestos contamination in 2019. The company claims the decision was based on declining demand, but internal documents revealed in court showed decades-long awareness of contamination concerns.
Is the new cornstarch formula safe?
Cornstarch is plant-derived and does not share talc’s geological association with asbestos. It provides similar moisture-absorbing properties without contamination risk. However, people with corn allergies should avoid cornstarch-based products.
Can I still sue J&J if I used talc products?
Yes. Over 90,000 lawsuits remain pending. Recent verdicts have exceeded $1 billion. J&J’s bankruptcy attempts have been rejected by courts. Consult an attorney. Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state.
What happened to J&J's bankruptcy strategy?
J&J’s “Texas Two-Step” strategy (creating a subsidiary called LTL Management to absorb liabilities and file bankruptcy) was rejected by courts three times between 2021-2025 as filed in bad faith. Individual trials continue.
Is cornstarch talcum powder safe?
Cornstarch powder lacks talc and asbestos, unlike traditional talcum powder, and its larger particles make inhalation less likely. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that inhaled cornstarch can damage infants’ lungs, recommending avoidance near faces. A PubMed review states perineal application of cornstarch exclusively shows no predicted risk for ovarian cancer, unlike talc.
Does baby powder help hyperhidrosis?
Baby powder absorbs moisture from sweat but does not stop sweat production or block sweat glands, unlike antiperspirants classified as drugs by the FDA. People with hyperhidrosis may experience clumping or quick wear-off, limiting its effectiveness for heavy sweating, though it can provide short-term dryness, reduce friction, and control odor in mild cases. Talc-based powders raise inhalation concerns, while cornstarch alternatives absorb similarly without those risks.
Is cornstarch baby powder good for your skin?
Cornstarch baby powders absorb excess moisture and soothe skin, often formulated as hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested for delicate areas like diaper regions. Products like Johnson’s and babylove versions use pure cornstarch without talc, mineral oils, or fragrances, reducing risks of asbestos contamination linked to traditional talc powders. No primary health authority data shows cornstarch causes mesothelioma, unlike asbestos-contaminated talc. Evidence indicates these powders are mild on skin when applied away from the face.