Johnson & Johnson said in December 2018 that its baby powder is safe and asbestos-free.

Why this label

The statement was categorical^S1. Ten months later FDA said a sample from one lot contained chrysotile asbestos^S6. The company notice puts the level at no greater than 0.00002% in one bottle bought online^S2. J&J recalled lot 22318RB^S2. The FDA record states the opposite of asbestos-free for that product lot. J&J said it could not confirm whether the sample was cross-contaminated or whether the bottle was authentic, and it repeated that its talc does not contain asbestos^S2. That dispute lowers the score, but the company offered no finding that the FDA result was wrong. The record contradicts the absolute claim. It does not show how widespread any contamination was.

Current procedural position

Company statement of 14 December 2018^S1. Voluntary recall of one lot announced on 18 October 2019, completed and terminated by FDA^S2.

Evidence score: 76 of 100

The score grades how well the record establishes this assessment. It is not a score of Johnson & Johnson. Score = source authority + directness + corroboration + procedural accuracy + currency + reproducibility.

Timeline

1. 14 December 2018J&J says its baby powder is asbestos-free^S1
2. 18 October 2019FDA reports chrysotile in lot 22318RB and J&J recalls it^S6S2
3. 27 July 2026J&J repeats that talc does not contain asbestos^S5

Responses

• Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., 18 October 2019: The company said it could not confirm whether the FDA sample was cross-contaminated or the product authentic.^S2

Revision history

• 25 October 2026 Assessment first published with label Contradicted.

Have a record that changes this assessment? See corrections and responses.

Sources

1. S6Tier A Baby Powder Manufacturer Voluntarily Recalls Product for AsbestosUS Food and Drug Administration. Regulator press release. 18 October 2019.FDA's own notice that a sample from lot 22318RB contained chrysotile asbestos in its cosmetics survey. It covers one lot and says a sample from another lot tested negative.Link working, checked 25 October 2026
2. S2Tier B Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. to Voluntarily Recall a Single Lot of Johnson’s Baby Powder in the United StatesUS Food and Drug Administration (company announcement). Company statement. 18 October 2019.Company recall notice posted by FDA, reporting the FDA test result for one lot. FDA says it posts such notices as a public service and does not endorse the company.Link working, checked 25 October 2026
3. S1Tier B Statement on Reuters Talc ArticleJohnson & Johnson. Company statement. 14 December 2018.J&J's rebuttal of the Reuters report. It is the company's position, not a finding.Link working, checked 25 October 2026
4. S5Tier B Johnson & Johnson Announces a Proposed Resolution of Ovarian Talc LitigationJohnson & Johnson. Company statement. 27 July 2026.Announces a proposed US$5.5 billion resolution and repeats J&J's safety position. It describes the MDL order but is not a court record.Link working, checked 25 October 2026

Other claims about Johnson & Johnson

• Partly supported55
  A Reuters investigation in December 2018 reported that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos was at times found in its talc and talc powders.
  Press report, 14 December 20184 records citedProduct claims
• Outdated86
  Johnson & Johnson said in September 2024 that its subsidiary Red River Talc LLC had filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 case to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer talc claims.
  Company statement, 20 September 20244 records citedCorporate status
• Unresolved48
  Johnson & Johnson said in July 2026 that studies show talc does not cause cancer.
  Company statement, 27 July 20263 records citedProduct claims