A Los Angeles jury has ruled that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) must pay $966 million to the family of Mae Moore, who died in 2021 from mesothelioma linked to asbestos-contaminated talc products. The verdict was issued in October 2025. The verdict—comprising $16 million in compensatory damages and $950 million in punitive damages—marks another significant moment in ongoing litigation over the company’s talc-based consumer products.
Mae Moore’s case centers on the company’s talc powder, which plaintiffs argue was contaminated with asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral that can cause mesothelioma when inhaled. Johnson & Johnson has maintained that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos. Despite this position, the company discontinued its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023—a decision that came amid mounting legal pressure and decades of lawsuits.
FACT:
J&J chose to manufacture its products using an inexpensive, low-grade, potentially dangerous raw material. Cheap talc is sourced from mines that contain some nasty byproducts, including heavy metals and asbestos. Raw material suppliers that mine low-quality talc are supposed to take steps to purify the talc (remove toxins) before selling it as a raw material for use in cosmetics and food manufacturing. Obviously, J&J didn’t use conscientious suppliers, but instead chose to save $$$ at the expense of people’s health. This is an epic demonstration of #FAFO (f*ck around and find out).
The $950 million in punitive damages reflects the jury’s assessment that the company’s conduct warranted punishment beyond compensating the victim’s family. This component is typically intended to deter similar behavior and signal that a company’s actions crossed a legal and ethical line.
This verdict represents one of many cases linking talc products to cancer, contributing to a broader pattern of corporate accountability in the asbestos litigation landscape. For consumers and their families affected by talc-related illnesses, this verdict, along with others like it, underscores the importance of corporate transparency regarding the safety of raw materials used in cosmetic products.
FYI - the cheap, low-quality talc J&J has gotten in trouble for using should immediately make you worry about the questionable talc used in suspiciously cheap pressed powder makeup palettes. You know, the ones that top beauty influencers have been promoting for the last decade. (looking at you, Morphe, and your most famous shills, Jaclyn, James, and Jeffrey).
#MyTwoCents
Talc is an important ingredient in cosmetic and food manufacturing, and properly sourced and purified talc is completely safe.
BUT - You are deluding yourself and putting your health at risk when purchasing talc-based color cosmetics at prices that are “too good to be true.” As a respected cosmetic developer, I can confidently state that it is improbable for a palette of thirty-five (35) 1.5g eyeshadows, sold for under $30.00 USD, to be manufactured with safe, high-quality raw materials. IMPROBABLE.
When you use these cheap eyeshadow palettes produced in sweatshops in the Chinese countryside, you’re applying potentially contaminated talc to your eyes, where there are exposed blood vessels, allowing any toxins in the formula to go directly into your bloodstream. Sound scary? IT SHOULD.
#JustSaying #YouGetWhatYouPayFor
What are your thoughts on the use of talc in cosmetics and food services? Do you trust brands to prioritize your health when considering raw material costs?
