Talcum Powder: Health Risks, Cancer Concerns & Industry Cover-Ups

Scientific research has raised alarms about potential links between cosmetic talcum powder and cancer, specifically ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer most often linked to asbestos exposure. It takes many years to develop and most commonly affects the lining of the lungs.

In response, tens of thousands of people filed talcum powder lawsuits against manufacturers, particularly Johnson & Johnson (J&J). These lawsuits accused the health care giant of failing to warn the public and hiding the risks of cancer.

The first studies surfacing talc as a public health concern were released in the 1960s. Scientists observed that genital use of talc in animals caused abnormal ovarian cells.

Since then, many more studies have surfaced confirming the association between talc, ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Talcum Powder & Asbestos Contamination

Talc and asbestos are minerals often found naturally occurring near each other in the earth. This means that talc can be contaminated with microscopic asbestos fibers when mined. Asbestos is known to cause cancer.

Internal reports from Johnson & Johnson, dating back to the 1950s, showed that the company was aware of asbestos contamination in its mined talc, according to a Reuters investigative report.

While J&J stopped selling its talcum powder products in 2023, the company has always claimed the powder was safe, and has denied that its talc contained asbestos.

The connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is widely accepted. While asbestos-contaminated talc may lead to mesothelioma, researchers are still divided on whether talc itself contributes to ovarian cancer.

For example, a 2023 study in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology presented 166 cases of people who developed mesothelioma from asbestos-contaminated cosmetic talc, like powders used in diapering.

Talcum powder lawsuits state that since 1982, there have been more than 20 studies with data on talc and ovarian cancer, and nearly all of them showed an elevated cancer risk.

They include a 1993 National Toxicology Program study that found talc was a carcinogen with or without asbestos.

What Studies Say About Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer

Several studies have investigated whether talcum powder use in the genital area increases the risk of ovarian cancer. While some have found a positive association, others have been inconclusive or did not find an association. Here are some notable studies:

How Johnson & Johnson Handled Talc Safety Concerns

Publicly, J&J has consistently denied any link between talc and cancer, emphasizing regulatory compliance and independent safety reviews. Despite evidence linking talc to cancer, the company continued to market its products as safe.

According to talc lawsuits, J&J marketed its Shower to Shower talcum powder to women with the slogan, “A sprinkle a day keeps odor away.” It also said that the product could be used all over the body, leading to an intended and foreseeable genital use of the powder.

Dr. Daniel Cramer was the author of a 1982 study that found a 92% increased risk in ovarian cancer with genital talc use. Soon after that study was published, Dr. Bruce Semple of J&J visited Cramer to discuss the study. Cramer advised that the company should add an ovarian cancer warning on its talc powders. J&J never did.

In 2019, J&J recalled 33,000 bottles of baby powder after the FDA found asbestos in one sample. The company announced in 2022 that it would transition from talc-based baby powder to a cornstarch-based formula globally, calling it a commercial decision.

Legal and government actions over talcum powder safety include thousands of talcum powder cancer lawsuits, new proposed FDA regulations and global restrictions and bans.

J&J remains at the center of talc lawsuits that allege its talcum powder contributed to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The company has been fighting these cases for about 16 years.

After several multimillion-dollar verdicts, J&J attempted to limit its financial liability by transferring the liability to shell companies. The subsidiaries LTL Management and Red River Talc LLC have both filed for bankruptcy. Judges denied the bankruptcy twice, and now the third try may end in a proposed $8 billion settlement.

How Has the FDA Responded to Talcum Powder Safety Concerns?

In 2024, the FDA proposed a rule to establish standardized testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc.

However, since the FDA does not have the authority to mandate cosmetic recalls, its ability to enforce product safety remains limited.

Global Bans & Restrictions on Talc-Based Products

Currently, talc is not banned or restricted in U.S. cosmetics. However, regulators in the European Union are moving toward an outright ban on cosmetic talc products.

The decision comes after the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) classified talc as a reprotoxic (harmful to reproductive process), mutagenic (can cause genetic mutations) and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical.

The ban is expected to take effect in 2027. In the meantime, the EU and UK have restricted talc as an ingredient in cosmetics.

The demand for natural, safe, talc-free baby powder formulas is rising because of increasing concerns over the safety of talc, according to Future Market Insights.

With media coverage and talcum powder lawsuits raising awareness about the potential health risks of talc in makeup and personal care products, consumers are making more informed decisions.

Talc-based body powder sales have declined in North America from 2018 to 2020. Litigation surrounding the products is partly to blame, according to Euromonitor. Concerns about product safety have led to a “deterioration of consumer confidence in talc-based products,” the company added.

What Are the Best Talc-Free Alternatives?

Some of the best talc-free alternatives include makeup and baby products that use cornstarch, mica, silica and kaolin clay. These products offer similar benefits without the potential health risks associated with talc. This shift aligns with the clean beauty movement, emphasizing safer and more sustainable product formulations in personal care products and makeup.

There are a few major brands reformulating some of their products to exclude talc, reflecting a broader industry trend toward safer ingredients. For instance, Givenchy reformulated its Prisme Libre loose powder to remove talc and replace it with kaolin clay and mica, responding to consumer concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

If you suspect health issues related to talcum powder use, consult a health care provider for a thorough evaluation. Health problems linked to talc can include skin irritation, respiratory problems and cancer.

Document your usage history, including product types and duration, to assist in assessing potential risks. Regular medical check-ups and discussions about your concerns can aid in the early detection and management of health conditions.

Long-term, high exposure to talc may lead to lung scarring, which takes years to develop. Symptoms include abnormal chest X-rays, shortness of breath, cough, potential disability and death.

Ovarian cancer symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, urinary urgency and feeling full quickly. Mesothelioma that affects the lungs typically takes many years to develop, but symptoms include tiredness, unexplained weight loss, coughing, shortness of breath and lumps under the skin on your chest.

Where to Find More Information on Talcum Powder Safety

In addition to the talc safety information we publish on Drugwatch, consumers can get comprehensive information on talcum powder safety from the following reputable sources:​

Staying informed through these sources can help you make educated decisions regarding talcum powder use and understand the associated health implications.