More than two years after Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder hit its end in North America, the company unveiled a new talc-free brand of baby powder.
This baby powder gives some reassurance to people who wonder if any Johnson & Johnson baby powder is safe to use now.
Johnson & Johnson announced the new Vivvi & Bloom brand of baby powder in a press release last week. This is the first new baby powder product since the healthcare giant decided to stop manufacturing its popular Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. Vivvi & Bloom is specifically a “new skin and hair care brand for babies and toddlers developed to be intentionally simple through its purposeful ingredients, purposeful mission, and purposeful science,” states the press release.
Fortunately, the new Vivvi & Bloom brand is made of natural ingredients – and talc was left out of the equation. The reason why is from years of legal issues for Johnson & Johnson related to Vivvi & Bloom’s controversial predecessor.
History of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is made with talc. What is talc, though? Talc is a naturally forming mineral that co-resides with another mineral: asbestos. Talc is harmless on its own, but asbestos is dangerous and causes cancers such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and ovarian cancer.
For the purposes of creating Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and other healthcare products – including cosmetics like blush and mascara – talc is ground into a powder (talcum powder). This powder absorbs moisture and keeps skin clean and healthy.
The process of grinding talc into talcum powder can cause loose fragments of asbestos to contaminate the powder ingredient. Using any talcum powder products will release the weightless asbestos fibers into the air. The person using the powder can inhale the asbestos or swallow the fibers. This is the first step in how asbestos causes cancer.
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder was arguably the company’s most popular and elite product for decades. Mothers used the powder on their babies to clean their skin. The powder also had a pleasing smell. Women also used the powder on themselves for the same reasons.
One of the main ingredients was talc, though, and it reportedly led to hundreds, if not thousands, of cancer cases. Many victims filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson for their cancer diagnosis. The company was on the hook for millions – into billions – of dollars.
As of 2022, there are more than 30,000 pending cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. Most, if not all, stem from use of talcum powder brands that exposed the consumer to asbestos.
Johnson & Johnson denied the presence of asbestos in its talc items. However, in 2019, Johnson & Johnson recalled thousands of bottles of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested and found evidence of asbestos in a bottle.
In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson pulled the plug on its talc Baby Powder. The company announced it was no longer manufacturing or selling the item in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company still sells the talc brand in many other countries, though.
Vivvi & Bloom
Aside from being talc-free – and hopefully asbestos-free – Vivvi & Bloom is marketed towards millennial and Generation-Z parents.
The brand features “natural ingredients” that parents can trust. The brand also has three different products, which are all 2-in-1 offerings, to “streamline” the the baby care routine for parents:
- 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo Cleansing Gel
- 2-in-1 Face & Body Whip Lotion
- 2-in-1 Scalp & Body Massage Oil
The Environmental Working Group verified all Vivvi & Bloom products as safe to use. This organization often tests products for unsafe ingredients, including talc and asbestos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson & Johnson's New Talc-Free Baby Powder
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What is talc free baby powder?
Talc free baby powder is a type of baby powder that does not contain talc. Talc is a mineral that has been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma and other health issues. Talc free baby powder typically uses alternative ingredients, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. -
What is talc free?
Talc free refers to products that do not contain talc, a mineral that has been linked to an increased risk of developing mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases. Talc is commonly used in cosmetics, baby powder, and other personal care products, as well as in industrial settings. Talc-free alternatives are available for those who wish to avoid the potential health risks associated with talc. -
What is talc in baby powder?
Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products, including baby powder, as an absorbent and to help reduce friction on the skin. However, talc has been linked to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer when contaminated with asbestos. -
What mineral is in baby powder?
Talc is the mineral typically used in baby powder. However, there have been concerns about asbestos contamination in talc, which can increase the risk of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. It is important to use talc-free baby powder to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. -
What is the difference between talcum powder and baby powder?
Talcum powder and baby powder are often used interchangeably. However, talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral that contains asbestos fibers which can lead to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, while baby powder is made from cornstarch or other safe ingredients. It's important to avoid talcum powder to reduce the risk of developing cancer. -
What is baby powder?
Baby powder is a type of powder that is typically used to keep a baby's skin dry and prevent diaper rash. It has traditionally been made out of talc, but changed to cornstarch when asbestos contamination of talc became a concern. -
What does talc free mean?
Talc free means that a product does not contain talc, which is a mineral that has been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma and other health issues. Talc is often found in cosmetics, baby powders, and other personal care products. Using talc-free products can help reduce your exposure to this potentially harmful mineral. -
What does talcum powder smell like?
Talcum powder itself does not have a strong odor, as it is a relatively odorless mineral. However, some people may perceive a slight, chalky odor when using talcum powder. -
Does johnson's baby powder contain talc?
Yes, Johnson's baby powder traditionally contained talc, although they have recently released a talc-free version due to concerns about potential links to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. -
What is tricalcium phosphate in baby powder?
Tricalcium phosphate is a calcium salt that is sometimes used in baby powders as an absorbent and anti-caking agent. It is a white, odorless powder that is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, including baby powders, as it is not known to be toxic or harmful when used as directed. -
What are the ingredients in johnson and johnson baby powder?
The current formulation for baby powder sold in the US is corn starch, dimethicone and calcium hydroxyapatite. Traditionally, the formulation was talc and fragrance. However, in 2020 Johnson and Johnson stopped selling its talc based product as a result of concerns about its talc being contaminated with asbestos. In 2021, Johnson and Johnson announced plans to stop selling its talc based product worldwide. -
What baby powder is talc free?
There are dozens of baby powder producers, with most of them having changed their formulation to talc free by 2020. However there are still baby powders that contain talc, including Johnson and Johnson baby powder sold outside the US. For a list of the most common body and baby powders that do not contain talc, click here. -
What johnson products cause cancer?
Some Johnson & Johnson products, specifically their talcum powder, have been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer due to the presence of asbestos in the product. These include Johnson & Johnson baby powder and Shower to Shower body powder. -
What is purified talc?
Purified talc is a mineral substance that is commonly used in consumer products such as cosmetics, baby powder, and medication. It is finely ground and purified to remove any impurities, and is typically made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. While purified talc itself is not considered dangerous, some talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos, which is a known carcinogen and can cause mesothelioma. -
What minerals are in baby powder?
The main ingredients in baby powder are talc and cornstarch. Traditional baby powders have contained talc, which can sometimes be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos exposure is a known cause of mesothelioma. Therefore, it is recommended to use talc-free baby powder to avoid any potential asbestos exposure. -
What does talc do to skin?
Talc is a mineral that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products, including baby powder. When applied to the skin, talc can have a number of effects, including:- Absorbing moisture: Talc has the ability to absorb moisture, which can help keep the skin dry and reduce friction.
- Reducing irritation: Talc can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation.
- Smoothing the skin: Talc has a soft, smooth texture that can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin.
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Why shouldn't you use talcum powder?
Talcum powder has been linked to asbestos contamination, which is a known cause of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Exposure to asbestos can occur when talcum powder is mined from contaminated sources or when it is used in products such as cosmetics, baby powder, and other personal care items. Therefore, it is best to avoid using talcum powder to reduce the risk of cancer. -
How is baby powder made?
The exact process for making baby powder can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer, but in general, the process involves the following steps:Extraction of talc or other base material: Talc is typically mined from natural deposits, although some baby powders may use alternative base materials such as cornstarch. The talc or other material is extracted from the earth and processed to remove impurities.
- Grinding and milling: The talc or other base material is then ground and milled into a fine powder using specialized equipment.
- Mixing and blending: Fragrances, oils, and other ingredients may be added to the powder at this stage to give it a pleasant scent or other desirable properties.
- Quality control and packaging: The finished baby powder is then subjected to quality control checks to ensure it meets safety and purity standards. It is then packaged in containers suitable for retail sale, such as plastic bottles or cardboard tubes.
It's important to note that some baby powders, particularly those marketed as 'natural' or 'organic', may use different ingredients or production methods than those described above. Additionally, some manufacturers may use alternative materials or formulations in response to concerns about the safety of talc-based powders.
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How much talc is dangerous?
The amount of talc exposure needed to cause mesothelioma is not well defined. However, it is known that prolonged occupational exposure to talc dust increases the risk of mesothelioma. Talc is often found near asbestos deposits, and it may be contaminated with asbestos fibers. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to talc dust. -
How to know if talc is asbestos-free?
The only way to know if talc is asbestos-free is to have it tested by a certified laboratory. It is important to use talc that has been tested and certified as asbestos-free to avoid any potential exposure to asbestos, which is a known carcinogen and can cause mesothelioma.
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