The Connection Between Talc and Ovarian Cancer

Talc is a mineral made of oxygen, silicon, and magnesium that people have used in cosmetics for centuries. Makeup and hygiene products, such as baby powder, face powder, foundation, lipstick, mascara, blush, and eyeshadow use talc to absorb moisture and create a natural-looking, translucent finish. The product keeps skin dry and prevents rashes. However, there may be a connection between talc and the development of ovarian cancer of which all women should be aware.

Talc and Asbestos

Talc is frequently contaminated by asbestos, which is a substance that can cause cancers such as ovarian cancer. In the mid-1970s, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA) stated that any cosmetic product in the country that uses talc should not have any detectable amount of asbestos.

Johnson & Johnson discovered asbestos in their baby powder decades ago but did not issue a recall until 2019. Twenty-two women recently sued J&J for cancer-causing asbestos exposure and won nearly $5 billion. Over the years, consumers who have developed ovarian cancer from talc products have filed product liability lawsuits against manufacturers or suppliers.

How Does Talc Cause Ovarian Cancer?

Talcum powder applied regularly to the genital area could increase the risk of cancer because the powder particles can travel through the female reproductive system to the ovaries, which causes inflammation and scarring, and takes years to dissolve.

While there are studies on the correlation between talc and ovarian cancer, there are mixed findings. For example, the case-control studies that provide the most compelling evidence rely on an individual patient’s memories and reports of using talcum powder, rather than an experimental study. Meanwhile, less biased studies, such as cohort studies, have found a less significant increase in ovarian cancer risk due to talc use.

Since ovarian cancer is rare, the overall risk remains low even if there is an increased risk from using talc. However, we recommend checking your makeup products for talc or talcum powder, as it is still used in products today. You should take immediate medical and legal action if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after significant usage of talc powder.

Recent Verdicts From Litigation

There have been several successful verdicts linking talc usage and ovarian cancer. By far, one of the most notable settlements occurred between Johnson & Johnson and a 63-year-old woman. In her lawsuit, the woman alleged that the brand’s talcum powder caused her to develop ovarian cancer. In the end, a U.S. jury agreed with her allegation, ultimately ordering the conglomerate to pay her $417 million in damages. Similarly, a St. Louis jury recently finalized a settlement of $72 million to a woman’s family after her death. After using Johnson & Johnson baby powder for decades, the final award totaled to $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages.

Furthermore, an October 2025 verdict ordered J&J to pay out nearly a billion dollars to the family of a woman who died.

Discuss Your Talc and Ovarian Cancer Claim With an Attorney

If you believe you have developed ovarian cancer or other health complications from using or being exposed to talc contaminated with asbestos, our trusted Personal Injury attorneys can help. Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law is passionate about seeking justice for you and your family in a product liability case. Call us for a free consultation.