talcum powder lawsuit Updates
Jury Awards Over $1.5 Billion in Damages to Plaintiff in Johnson & Johnson Talc Case
On December 22, 2025, a Baltimore jury awarded Cherie Craft over $1.5 billion in damages in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. Ms. Craft, a nonprofit CEO, alleged that her peritoneal mesothelioma was caused by asbestos in the company's talc-based baby powder. The verdict includes $59.84 million in compensatory damages, with the remainder as punitive damages. The jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for failing to warn consumers. The company maintains its products are safe, plans to appeal, and continues to face more than 67,000 similar lawsuits.
Los Angeles Jury Awards $40 Million in Johnson & Johnson Talc Cancer Trial
On December 12, 2025, a Los Angeles jury awarded a combined $40 million to two women who developed ovarian cancer after decades of using Johnson & Johnson's Shower-to-Shower body powder. Plaintiff Monica Kent was awarded $18 million, while Deborah Schultz and her husband received $22 million. The jury found the talc-based hygiene product was a substantial factor in causing their cancers. This verdict occurs as Johnson & Johnson faces more than 67,000 pending lawsuits in federal multidistrict litigation and state courts from individuals alleging its talc powders cause cancer.
FDA Withdraws Asbestos Testing Requirement for Talc-Based Cosmetics
On November 28, 2025, the FDA announced it is withdrawing a federal rule that would have required manufacturers to test personal care products for asbestos. As a result, companies producing talc-based cosmetics are no longer obligated to conduct asbestos testing. The agency stated it will pursue alternative measures to protect consumers from asbestos exposure in beauty products. Meanwhile, over 67,000 individuals have filed federal lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming they developed cancer after using the company’s talcum-based body powders.
Johnson & Johnson Faces Over 62,000 Lawsuits in Talcum Powder Litigation
As of November 2025, 62,229 lawsuits are pending against Johnson & Johnson within the federal multidistrict litigation. The plaintiffs allege that the company's talc-based body powders caused ovarian cancer and other diseases, and that J&J knew the products contained carcinogenic agents but failed to warn consumers or change the formulation. This extensive litigation has recently resulted in several substantial jury awards to plaintiffs and their families, underscoring the ongoing legal and financial repercussions for the company.
About the Talcum Powder Lawsuit
The Talcum Powder Lawsuit began in 2009 when a woman claimed she developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson and Johnson's talcum powder. One lawsuit, in particular, was filed by 22 women in 2016, and two products were named: Shower to Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder.
Thousands of talcum powder lawsuits have been filed to date, alleging that J&J was aware of harmful substances, such as asbestos fibers and other harmful carcinogens, in their products. According to the talcum powder lawsuits, the company continued making and marketing this dangerous product even though they knew it to be harmful.
Why Thousands Are Filing Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
Thousands of talcum powder lawsuits have been filed to date, alleging that J&J was aware of harmful substances, such as asbestos fibers and other harmful carcinogens, in their products. According to the talcum powder lawsuits, the company continued making and marketing this dangerous product even though they knew it to be harmful.
Plaintiffs claim Johnson & Johnson failed to warn the public or notify government agencies. Evidence uncovered during litigation suggests the company may have known of asbestos contamination as early as the 1970s.
Major Jury Verdicts Against Johnson & Johnson
In June 2020, the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld a major jury ruling, finding Johnson & Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc. responsible for multiple talcum claims and awarding large compensatory and punitive damages. Although these amounts were later reduced, it remains one of the largest talcum-related verdicts in history.
Many consumers allege developing ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or primary peritoneal cancer after frequent talcum powder use. Product liability lawsuits have also expanded to include distributors and retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Walgreens. The FDA later found asbestos contamination while testing Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder.
Johnson & Johnson Switched Talc for Cornstarch
Johnson & Johnson has transitioned from talcum-based formulations to cornstarch-based products. Although the company denies wrongdoing and continues to claim talc is safe, thousands of cancer lawsuits and shifting consumer demand drove this major change.
How to Pre-Qualify for the Talcum Powder Lawsuit
You may be eligible to join the talcum powder lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson, if you have used talcum powder and developed the following cancer(s):
- Ovarian Cancer
- Primary Peritoneal Cancer
- Mesothelioma cancer
Please Note: You can also submit a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has suffered from cancer due to talcum powder usage.
Claimants must be able to provide their diagnosis to pre-qualify. They can use their medical diagnosis and other healthcare documents to prove their case. It’s important to note that many cancers and illnesses take years to be discovered, and they should speak with a medical professional if they have concerns after using talcum powder. A medical diagnosis is the only way to be sure.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect?
Determining a typical settlement amount in the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit is complex due to the unique nature of each case. Factors such as the severity of the illness, the strength of the evidence, jury decisions, and the skill of the lawyers involved all influence the settlement amount.
Settlements can vary widely, with some being as low as $100,000 and others reaching into the millions. For example, in 2020, there were settlements of $100 million for 1,000 lawsuits and a significant $2.12 billion for 22 women. There's been a proposal for a massive $8.9 billion global settlement covering nearly 40,000 cases, highlighting the scale of these cases. However, average figures can be misleading. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility and to understand what damages you may be able to potentially receive. All cases are unique.
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