Table of contents
- Latest Gold Bond Talcum Powder Lawsuit Updates
- July 28, 2026: J&J Proposes $5.5 Billion Talc Settlement
- July 16, 2026: J&J Asks Judge to Dismiss All Talc Cases
- April 17, 2026: Merck Wins First Cosmetic Talc Trial
- November 28, 2025: FDA Withdraws Talc Asbestos Testing Rule
- December 27, 2024: FDA Proposes Talc Asbestos Testing Rule
- What Is Talc?
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gold Bond Talcum Powder Safe?
- Does Gold Bond Powder Contain Talc?
- What Does the Research Say About Talc and Cancer?
- Does the FDA Approve Talc Powders Before They Are Sold?
Gold Bond is a medicated body powder packaged by Chattem, Inc. Lawsuits against other talc makers allege that talc powders caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
No lawsuit, MDL or recall names Gold Bond. Its current Medicated Extra Strength Body Powder lists corn starch and no talc. Talc cases center on Johnson & Johnson, which proposed a $5.5 billion resolution on July 28, 2026.
The American Cancer Society says findings on talc and ovarian cancer have been mixed. Johnson & Johnson denies the claims and says there is no conclusive evidence that its talc products contained asbestos or caused cancer. These claims are allegations.
Latest Gold Bond Talcum Powder Lawsuit Updates
July 28, 2026: J&J Proposes $5.5 Billion Talc Settlement
Fierce Pharma reported that Johnson & Johnson proposed a $5.5 billion settlement. It could resolve roughly 76,000 multi-district and state ovarian cancer talc lawsuits [1].
Plaintiffs in those cases allege Johnson’s Baby Powder caused their ovarian cancer. Gold Bond is not a party to them.
July 16, 2026: J&J Asks Judge to Dismiss All Talc Cases
Law.com reported that Johnson & Johnson asked a federal judge for an order. It could dismiss all 67,000 lawsuits alleging its baby powder caused ovarian cancer [2]. Judge Michael Shipp set an August 3 hearing.
J&J asked after plaintiffs withdrew two specific-causation experts. Plaintiffs’ attorneys called the motion “breathtaking as it is meritless.” The motion is J&J’s argument and not a ruling.
April 17, 2026: Merck Wins First Cosmetic Talc Trial
Law.com reported that a Cook County Circuit Court jury in Illinois returned a defense verdict for Merck on April 17, 2026 [3]. The jury deliberated for fewer than two hours.
It was the first trial over Dr. Scholl’s foot powder and Lotrimin. The plaintiff said the products caused his mesothelioma.
November 28, 2025: FDA Withdraws Talc Asbestos Testing Rule
The FDA withdrew its proposed rule on testing talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos [4]. The agency said comments warranted further consideration and assessment before it issues final regulations.
The rule was titled “Testing Methods for Detecting and Identifying Asbestos in Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products.” It was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2024.
December 27, 2024: FDA Proposes Talc Asbestos Testing Rule
The FDA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on how to test talc cosmetics for asbestos. The proposal was part of the agency’s work under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022.
What Is Talc?
According to the American Cancer Society, talcum powder is made from talc. Talc is a mineral made up mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen [5].
As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction. That makes it useful for keeping skin dry and helping prevent rashes. The lawsuits above name talc.
Who May Be Affected?
Talc miners and others exposed to talc particles at work for years face a higher risk of lung cancer, the American Cancer Society says.
Some natural talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled. Anyone who used a talc powder that contained asbestos may be affected.
Women who regularly applied talcum powder to the genital area are the other group the society discusses. The link to ovarian cancer is not settled. Only an individual legal review can say whether your own circumstances may qualify.
Gold Bond Medicated Extra Strength Body Powder is a menthol powder packaged by Chattem, Inc., according to its DailyMed label [6].
Reported Injuries or Damages
Lawsuits against talc makers say their products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The Johnson & Johnson cases allege ovarian cancer. The Merck plaintiff alleged mesothelioma. These claims are allegations.
The American Cancer Society reviews the medical evidence apart from the lawsuits. Many studies in women have looked at a possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Findings have been mixed.
Some studies report a slightly increased risk. Some report no increase. The society also says very little evidence at this time links other forms of cancer with consumer use of talcum powder.
Evidence to Preserve
Keep these items together if you believe a talc product harmed you. The container and label matter most, because they show which product and ingredients were involved:
- Product containers and labels showing the brand, lot number and ingredient list
- Purchase receipts showing where and when you bought the powder
- Photographs of the product, its packaging and its label
- Medical records and the dates of any diagnosis
- Notes on how often and how long you used the powder
- Any communications with the company about the product
Filing Deadlines
State law sets the time limits for filing a claim. Your limit depends on where you live and when the exposure, illness or injury and the diagnosis took place.
In some states the clock starts at diagnosis. Waiting too long can end a claim for talc harm, even when the facts behind it are strong.
A lawyer can tell you which limit applies to your situation, so ask soon. Acting early keeps your options open while records are still easy to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold Bond Talcum Powder Safe?
Whether Gold Bond talcum powder is safe depends on what the powder contains. Talc with asbestos is generally accepted as able to cause cancer if inhaled, and the evidence on asbestos-free talc is less clear.
Does Gold Bond Powder Contain Talc?
As of October 14, 2026, Gold Bond powder does not contain talc, according to goldbond.com, which calls it talc-free and cornstarch-based. The label lists menthol as the active ingredient, with acacia gum and silica among the inactive ingredients.
What Does the Research Say About Talc and Cancer?
Research on talc and cancer includes classifications by IARC. IARC calls talc that contains asbestos carcinogenic to humans and calls talc probably carcinogenic to humans, based on limited evidence for ovarian cancer.
Does the FDA Approve Talc Powders Before They Are Sold?
The FDA does not approve cosmetic talc powders before they are sold. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act exempts cosmetic products and ingredients from FDA review or approval before sale, except color additives.