De Los Santos v. Johnson & Johnson et al

On August 7, 2024, plaintiff De Los Santos filed a product liability lawsuit in the United States against Johnson & Johnson and its consumer subsidiary, alleging that prolonged use of the company’s talc-based baby powder caused a severe health condition, including ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. The complaint asserts that the defendants knew or should have known about asbestos contamination and carcinogenic risks associated with their talc products but failed to warn consumers, instead continuing to market the powder as safe for daily feminine hygiene. This case joins thousands of similar claims consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation, where plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages for personal injuries.

The case is currently pending before the United States District Court as part of the ongoing talcum powder multidistrict litigation; no final judgment has been entered.

Whether Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products contained asbestos or inherently caused cancer; whether the company concealed scientific evidence and failed to provide adequate safety warnings to consumers.

This lawsuit reinforces mounting public scrutiny over Johnson & Johnson’s product safety practices, contributing to the company’s decision to discontinue talc-based baby powder in North America and propose a multibillion-dollar settlement trust to resolve tens of thousands of similar claims, while spurring heightened regulatory attention to cosmetic safety.