A major legal case is unfolding in the UK. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson faces a group lawsuit over claims its talcum powder products are linked to cancer. This high-profile action follows years of litigation and consumer complaints in the United States, where the company has already paid billions in settlements.
Now, British consumers who used the popular baby powder and later developed certain cancers are stepping forward in what could become one of the largest group actions of its kind in the UK.
Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit UK: The heart of the allegations
At the centre of the lawsuit are long-standing concerns that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products, particularly its baby powder, may be contaminated with asbestos – which is a known carcinogen. Some carcinogens cause cancer directly, while others increase the risk over time, especially with long-term or repeated exposure.
Talcum powder is derived from talc, a naturally occurring mineral that, in its natural form, can be found alongside asbestos in the earth. During mining, talc can become contaminated with asbestos.
There are an increasing number of studies showing a link between contaminated talc and certain types of cancer – including ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer. The core legal issue is whether the talcum powder sold by Johnson & Johnson was ever contaminated, and if so, whether the company failed to properly warn its customers of the risks.
The claimants in the lawsuit allege they used Johnson & Johnson talc-based products for many years, sometimes decades, unaware of any health risks. Many were regular users of baby powder for personal hygiene or on infants. Some have since developed serious cancers, while other claimants have lost loved ones after years of talc use.
Lawyers involved in the case argue Johnson & Johnson knew about the possible contamination and risk for decades but continued to market its products as safe.
US talcum powder cancer claim now hitting home
In the United States, Johnson & Johnson has faced thousands of lawsuits related to its talc products. While the company denies any wrongdoing, it has paid out billions in legal costs and compensation.
Now the UK is following suit. In February 2025, The Guardian reported that the British law firm KP Law is spearheading a group action on behalf of UK-based claimants. The firm believes thousands of people in England and Wales may have been affected, including cancer survivors and the families of those who have since passed away.
You can find out more about the talcum powder cancer lawsuit here.
What Johnson & Johnson says
Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied that its talcum powder products are unsafe. The company maintains its baby powder is asbestos-free and that numerous scientific studies and regulatory reviews around the world have supported its safety. However, Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2023, switching to a cornstarch-based alternative. The firm insists this decision was driven by changing consumer preferences and misinformation, not product safety concerns.
Despite these assurances, lawyers on both sides of the Atlantic believe the company’s internal documents raise serious questions about what executives knew and when. The UK case will examine such evidence to determine whether British consumers were misled.
Why this case matters to UK talc cancer victims and families
For decades, Johnson & Johnson baby powder was a household staple – trusted, widely used, and marketed as safe. Now, many people are left wondering whether they were unknowingly exposed to harm. If the courts find in favour of the claimants, it could provide justice and financial relief for individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by cancer.
Learn more about the talcum powder cancer scandal, as UK families share their stories.
Are you eligible to join the UK talcum powder cancer claim?
If you or someone you loved used talcum powder regularly for five years or more and have since been diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation.
Consumer champion law firm KP Law is leading the group action against Johnson & Johnson on behalf of people across England and Wales. Their goal is to win compensation for cancer survivors and bereaved families who may have suffered due to long-term talc use.
If you join the claim, you won’t need to prove talcum powder directly caused the cancer, or even show receipts for past purchases. You’ll simply need to confirm talc was used regularly over a number of years. Your solicitor will then work with medical experts to build your case and seek justice in court.
Think you might be eligible to join this no-win, no-fee claim? Check your eligibility now and we’ll connect you with KP Law. There are no costs to join and no obligation to proceed with a claim.
