Women Who Used Johnson's Baby Powder for Years May Be Owed Money After Ovarian Cancer Link Found

For decades, Johnson & Johnson sold Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder — products used daily by millions of women for personal hygiene. Now, tens of thousands of women who developed ovarian cancer say the talc in those products was a contributing cause.

Research including a major review published in Epidemiology in 2018 (Penninkilampi & Eslick) and findings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found a significantly higher rate of ovarian cancer in women who used talc-based products in the genital area over long periods of time. (Penninkilampi & Eslick, Epidemiology, 2018; IARC Monographs, Vol. 93.)

Johnson & Johnson has faced more than 100,000 lawsuits and has attempted to shield itself through a subsidiary bankruptcy — a move courts have rejected. According to Reuters, with over 67,000 cases still pending and J&J proposing a new settlement, this lawsuit is actively moving forward. (Reuters, 2024.)

What the Talcum Powder Lawsuit Is About

Talc — the main ingredient in Johnson's Baby Powder — is a naturally occurring mineral. Studies found that talc deposits can contain asbestos fibers, and both the talc itself and any asbestos contamination have been studied for links to cancer.

The most studied risk is from women applying talc-based powder in the genital area over many years. According to the 2018 Penninkilampi & Eslick review of 27 studies, this use was associated with a statistically significant increase in ovarian cancer risk. The IARC has classified talc-based body powder applied to the perineal area as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." (IARC Monographs, Vol. 93.)

Internal Johnson & Johnson documents, surfaced during legal proceedings, showed the company monitored the scientific debate about talc safety for decades. Lawsuits allege J&J failed to warn consumers — especially women — of the possible risk.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if both of the following apply:

1. You regularly used Johnson's Baby Powder, Shower to Shower, or similar talc-based body powder — particularly in the genital area.
2. You were later diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.

Use doesn't have to have been daily — regular, habitual use over a period of years is what matters. You do not need receipts or proof of purchase to start a case check.

What Could This Mean for You?

If you qualify, you may be owed money for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and related losses. J&J has proposed a new multi-billion dollar settlement which — if approved by courts — would resolve tens of thousands of cases. Individual cases may also proceed on their own track.

We will not quote individual amounts. What any case may be worth depends on the specific diagnosis, severity of illness, treatment history, and how cases resolve. The check is free, and a lawyer's team will go through the details with you at no cost.

What About the Filing Deadline?

Deadlines vary by state. Some states have laws that cut off the right to file based on when the product was used, regardless of when you got sick. If you or a loved one used talcum powder and later developed ovarian cancer, it is important to find out your options as soon as possible — don't wait.

What Happens If You File

Here is what the process actually looks like, step by step:

Step 1 — Fill Out the Free Form

Fill out the form on this page — no cost, no commitment. It takes about two minutes.

Step 2 — A Lawyer's Team Reviews Your Situation

A real person on the intake team reviews whether your situation qualifies based on your product use and diagnosis.

Step 3 — You Pay Nothing Unless You Receive Money

If your situation qualifies, you are represented at no cost to you. Attorneys only get paid if you win or settle.

Step 4 — Your Case Is Handled While You Focus on Your Health

The law firm does the work. Most clients do not have to appear in court or travel. You get updates while you focus on what matters.

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