Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed by females who have developed ovarian cancer after regular use of talc or talcum powder. The common denominator among each case: Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder.
After countless trials, settlements and front-page headlines, in 2020 Johnson & Johnson announced it would no longer sell its talc-based powder in the U.S. or Canada.
Today, the company announced in a statement that it would discontinue the sale of talc-based powder around the world beginning in 2023. As part of a "worldwide portfolio assessment," Johnson & Johnson states it will be transitioning to an "all-cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio."
"We continuously evaluate and optimize our portfolio to best position the business for long-term growth," the statement reads. "This transition will help simplify our product offerings, deliver sustainable innovation, and meet the needs of our consumers, customers and evolving global trends."
The company's shift occurs as searches for "talc-free beauty products" continue to soar year over year. Despite public verdicts, countless testimonies and billions in settlement dollars, Johnson & Johnson's stance on the safety of their talc-based product is sound.
"Our position on the safety of our cosmetic talc remains unchanged," said the company in the released statement. "We stand firmly behind the decades of independent scientific analysis by medical experts around the world that confirms talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer."
