Lawsuit Update Center
For decades, millions of Americans used Johnson & Johnson talcum products, such as Baby Powder, daily. That has all changed drastically as recent scientific research has revealed that long-term use of talcum powder products can cause cancer. The discovery of the link between talcum powder and cancer has led to thousands of talcum powder lawsuits and the disappearance of various products from retail shelves.
The recall of certain talcum powder products (such as J&J’s Baby Powder) has left many consumers searching for alternatives to meet their daily hygiene needs. Fortunately, there are many talcum powder alternatives that do not cause cancer. You can find some of these alternatives in local supermarkets, drug stores, or online. However, others may be more difficult to find. The following are seven non-toxic alternatives to talcum powder.
Talcum Powder Class Action Lawsuit Update
Before diving into safe alternatives, here’s the latest and more detailed update on the talcum powder lawsuits and their evolving legal landscape.
Johnson & Johnson has been grappling with tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma due to asbestos contamination. The number of claims has grown to over 60,000 plaintiffs, making it one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history. J&J’s attempt to resolve these lawsuits through bankruptcy has now entered an unprecedented third round. It is one of the most chaotic mass torts in American history.
Since 2021, J&J has used a controversial legal strategy called the “Texas Two-Step,” which involves spinning off a subsidiary, LTL Management LLC, to take on its talc liabilities while filing that entity for bankruptcy. This maneuver allows J&J to avoid jury trials by pausing litigation through the automatic bankruptcy stay and steering claims into bankruptcy negotiations. It was all nonsense and the courts mostly put a stop to it. But it was a long path to get there.
The first LTL bankruptcy was dismissed in January 2023 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which ruled that LTL was not in “financial distress” as required to qualify for bankruptcy protections. J&J then refiled a second bankruptcy for LTL in April 2023, promising a proposed $8.9 billion settlement to resolve claims over a 25-year period. While Judge Michael Kaplan initially allowed this second bankruptcy to proceed, it too was dismissed in July 2024, as plaintiffs argued it failed to address their concerns and did not provide fair compensation.
Undeterred, J&J filed a third bankruptcy for LTL Management in September 2024, attempting to reintroduce its proposed settlement framework. The difference? More plaintiffs were willing to let this bankruptcy happen because the settlement offer got much higher. But many plaintiffs continue to challenge this filing, labeling it a delay tactic to avoid facing plaintiffs in court. Which, of course, it is. The bankruptcy judge overseeing the case has kept the automatic stay in place, freezing talcum powder trials to allow time for potential negotiations while we wait for a hearing in February 2025.
8 Alternatives to Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
Let’s look at alternatives for talc baby powder, including the new surprise alternative one at the bottom of this list:
Cornstarch
Cornstarch remains the most popular alternative to talcum powder in 2025, widely valued for its natural, safe, and effective properties. It is derived from corn kernels and serves as an excellent anti-sticking agent and thickener in various applications. Cornstarch-based powders are particularly common in personal care products, where they help absorb moisture and reduce friction on the skin. Beyond personal use, cornstarch continues to play a role in industries such as food processing, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals.
Cornstarch is readily available in supermarkets, drugstores, and online marketplaces, as well as major retailers like Walmart and Target. It can be purchased in its pure form or in commercial blends combined with other ingredients like baking soda or essential oils for enhanced functionality. The affordability of cornstarch is another reason for its widespread appeal. Pure cornstarch costs approximately $1.50 for a standard-sized container, while commercial cornstarch-based powders designed for personal care typically range from $5 to $9, depending on the brand and added features. As consumers continue to prioritize safety and natural alternatives in their products, cornstarch remains a trusted and economical choice in the market.
Brands include:
Baking soda
Baking soda is a safe talcum powder alternative. One word of caution: pure baking soda can aggravate sensitive skin. Use a blend that combines baking soda with kaolin clay or cornstarch. Many retailers carry this ingredient. Pure baking soda costs around $0.79, while commercial blends cost around $9.
Brands include:
Tapioca starch
Tapioca, most commonly associated with its use in desserts like pudding, has emerged as a versatile and safe alternative to talcum powder. Derived from the cassava plant, tapioca starch is highly absorbent, making it effective at soaking up oil and moisture. Its natural origin and hypoallergenic properties make it a popular choice for those seeking chemical-free and non-irritating personal care products.
In 2025, tapioca-based powders are increasingly available in upscale supermarkets, health-focused stores, and online marketplaces. Prices for pure tapioca starch typically range around $1.96 for smaller packages, while commercial blends, often enhanced with additional ingredients for scent or added skin benefits, cost approximately $17. These blends are marketed as premium alternatives for personal care and specialized uses, appealing to consumers who prioritize clean, natural, and sustainable products.
Brands include:
Arrowroot starch
Arrowroot powder is a plant-based substance like tapioca. It is an excellent alternative for individuals with corn allergies. Arrowroot powder has a silky texture like talcum powder and is an excellent absorbent. You can find it in supermarkets, health food stores, and online. Pure arrowroot starch costs around $2.50, while commercial powder blends cost around $14.
Brands include:
[2025 Update:Kaolin clay
Brands include:
Rice starch
Rice starch comprises ground-up rice. People used it on their faces before talcum powder became popular. Rice starch is a great natural alternative to talcum powder. However, rice starch tends to cake. It is also difficult to find offline. Pure rice s arch costs around $4.50, while commercial powder blends cost around $11.
Brands include:
Oat flour
Oat flour is made from ground-up oats and is coarser than many other alternatives. Oats are widely available and versatile. You can either purchase oat flour directly or grind oats yourself at home. Pure oats typically cost around $2.50, while commercial powder blends can cost approximately $16.
Brands include:
- Noodle & Boo Delicate Baby Powder
- Bob’s Red Mill Oat Flour
- Anthony’s Organic Oat Flour
- Arrowhead Mills Oat Flour
- King Arthur Baking Company Oat Flour
- Thrive Market Organic Oat Flour
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
This page was originally written when J&J baby powder contained talc. In 2025, J&J no longer includes talc in its baby powder products. In August 2022, the company announced plans to transition from talc-based to cornstarch-based baby powder globally by 2023, a process that was completed in 2023.
This decision followed numerous lawsuits alleging that J&J’s talc-based products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Despite the transition, J&J continues to face legal challenges, as we discussed at the beginning of this article. As of January 2025, the company is defending approximately 58,205 pending talcum powder lawsuits in multidistrict litigation in New Jersey.
There Are No For Sure Safe Products
Above, we discuss Burt’s Bees as a safe alternative to talc powder without the cancer risks associated with talc. However, a class action lawsuit has been filed against The Clorox Company and The Burt’s Bees Products Company, alleging that some of its products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called “forever chemicals.”
PFAS are synthetic compounds linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, and developmental issues. The lawsuit claims the company misled consumers by marketing its products as “consciously crafted with ingredients from nature,” “over 95% natural origin,” and free of “chemicals of concern.” Independent testing reportedly found significant levels of PFAS in products like mascaras and lip shimmer, contradicting Burt’s Bees’ reputation as a clean, eco-friendly brand.
It is important to note that there has not been a Burt’s Bees Dusting Powder recall, and this product remains talc-free, using cornstarch as its primary ingredient. The lawsuit specifically targets Burt’s Bees cosmetics and raises concerns about PFAS exposure, particularly in products applied near the eyes and mouth, where the risk of ingestion and absorption is higher. The legal action seeks damages, restitution, and greater transparency about the presence of PFAS, while also shedding light on the broader issues of safety and marketing claims in the clean beauty industry.
The takeaway? While we strive to choose safe products, complete certainty about their safety is not something we can ever fully achieve.
File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit
It is (hopefully) NOT too late to file your own talcum powder lawsuit. If you used a talcum powder product for a long period and were subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, call our talcum powder lawsuit attorneys at 888-322-3010 or contact us online.
