Johnson & Johnson to replace talc-based powder with cornstarch (2024)

FAQs

Johnson & Johnson to replace talc-based powder with cornstarch? ›

The pharmaceutical giant has forked out billions in payouts to customers who said the talc was contaminated with asbestos. JOHNSON & JOHNSON will stop making its talc-based baby powder next year, replacing it with a cornstarch-based alternative after thousands of lawsuits relating to the product.

August 11, 2022 – “As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, we have made the commercial decision to transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio. As a result of this transition, talc-based JOHNSON'S® Baby Powder will be discontinued globally in 2023.

After failing to resolve a mountain of talcum-powder lawsuits through two unsuccessful bankruptcy attempts, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to a $700 million settlement that would free the company from some consumer protection claims—and a small part of the talc litigation that it faces.

Breathing in cornstarch baby powder may also cause lung issues over time, Spinner says. That's again primarily a concern for babies, given their smaller airways, but the risk among adults is likely “not zero” either, he says. “Anything that you inhale can irritate the lungs,” agrees Dr.

Talcum powder lawsuits have awarded victims and their family members millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Notable talcum powder lawsuit settlements and verdicts include: $2.1 billion to 22 women who filed a baby powder lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson will end global sales of baby powder containing the mineral talc in 2023, switching to a formulation based on corn starch. The company is facing over 40 000 lawsuits in the US alleging that baby powder contaminated with asbestos caused ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.

Johnson & Johnson will not sell talc-based baby powder anymore and instead will make it with cornstarch-based powder. The product had been discontinued in the US and Canada in 2020 amid allegations of the product causing cancer due to contamination with asbestos.

Based on the April 2023 settlement offer and previous settlements reached in verdicts, our Talcum Powder Attorneys estimate that Talcum Powder Lawsuits could settle for anywhere between $100,000 and $1 million. These estimates are by no means a guarantee of financial compensation for Talcum Powder Lawsuits.

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to a $700 million settlement in talc powder lawsuits from numerous U.S. states regarding the company's deceptive marketing tactics.

While the payout from a talcum powder settlement generally takes 1 to 2 months post resolution, class action lawsuits and appeals can extend this timeframe, and the statute of limitations sets strict time constraints for filing a claim.

Can I eat pure cornstarch baby powder? ›

Baby powder typically contains talc or cornstarch, both of which are not meant to be ingested. Inhaling talc powder can also be harmful to the lungs. If you or someone you know has ingested or inhaled baby powder, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

Since talcum powder is considered to increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer when used for feminine hygiene, cornstarch is seen as a safer alternative.

Commercial cornstarch-based powders have a similar consistency to talc, are just as absorbent and still have a delightful baby powder scent. Other alternative powders include a blend of ingredients such as kaolin, baking soda, arrowroot powder, rice powder and other natural ingredients.

From the above examples, it's safe to conclude that the average Johnson & Johnson baby powder settlement is at least $100,000. This is because some of these settlements were awarded to a group of plaintiffs, meaning they'll have to divide the amount among themselves.

J&J said in an October securities filing that 42 states and Washington, D.C., had launched a joint investigation into its marketing of talc-based products. The company will pay $700 million to settle the probe, its CFO Joseph Wolk told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

In April 2023, Johnson & Johnson offered $8.9 billion to settle the majority of talcum powder lawsuits relating to asbestos contamination, with approximately 60,000 plaintiffs in state and federal courts agreeing to the terms.

Corn starch can work as a talcum powder alternative, but most doctors recommend avoiding it for diaper rash. This is because it can potentially irritate the skin and hold moisture rather than removing it.

Cornstarch is made from Corn, aka maize kernels. Like talc, Its absorbent and helps keep skin cool like talc, but cornstarch has slightly bigger particles which means its less risky to inhale. But cornstarch is still not a great substitute.

Johnson's® Cornstarch Baby Powder with Aloe & Vitamin E.

Since talcum powder is considered to increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer when used for feminine hygiene, cornstarch is seen as a safer alternative.