Is Johnson’s Baby Powder Safe Today?

Is Johnson’s baby powder safe? I asked myself that as a new mom, holding that white bottle in the baby aisle. The short answer? It depends on the type and how you use it.

I spoke to our pediatrician, looked up real safety info, and did some deep research. Now, I finally have clear answers to share. Let’s walk through it — because nothing matters more than our baby’s safety.

What Is Johnson’s Baby Powder Made Of?

When I first flipped the bottle over, I didn’t know what most of the words meant. So, I looked them up. Johnson’s Baby Powder has changed a lot over time. What’s inside depends on which version you have.

The Original Talc-Based Formula

For many years, Johnson’s Baby Powder used talc. Talc is a soft mineral that helps keep skin dry and smooth. It feels silky and has been used for babies for decades. But concerns came up about how talc is mined—and what it might be mixed with (more on that next).

The New Cornstarch-Based Formula

In 2020, Johnson & Johnson made a big change. They moved to a cornstarch-based powder in the U.S. and Canada.
Why cornstarch? It comes from plants, so it’s more natural. It soaks up moisture well and doesn’t carry the same risks as talc. Most of the bottles you’ll see now use this formula.

Other Ingredients You Might See

No matter which version you use, there are often a few extras inside:

• Fragrance – That sweet baby smell comes from added scent. But it might bother sensitive skin.
• Mineral oil or petrolatum – These are used in other baby products but not often in the powder.
• Silica or magnesium carbonate – These help the powder flow better and feel smooth.

If you’re like me and want to be sure, Johnson & Johnson lists all ingredients on their site. You can check exactly what’s in your bottle there.

Talc Controversy Explained

Here’s the big reason this question even comes up: the lawsuits.

For years, Johnson & Johnson faced legal claims from people who said their talc-based baby powder caused cancer. Some linked it to ovarian cancer. Others said it caused mesothelioma — a rare cancer tied to asbestos.

Now, here’s the issue. Talc and asbestos can be found near each other in the ground. So if talc isn’t mined the right way, it can get mixed with asbestos. That’s what worried people.

Johnson & Johnson said their powder was always safe. They shared lab results and claimed it never had asbestos. Still, some courts ruled against them. By 2023, they had paid billions in settlements. They also said they would stop selling talc powder worldwide.

That’s why most Johnson’s Baby Powder you see now uses cornstarch. And as a parent, I found that change comforting.

Is Johnson’s Baby Powder Safe to Use Today?

So, here’s what matters most: Is it safe now?

If you’re using the cornstarch version, most pediatricians say yes — but only with care. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend baby powder in general. Not because of what’s in it, but because of the risk of breathing it in. Even safe powders can bother tiny lungs.

The FDA hasn’t banned talc, but they do test it when safety concerns come up. They tell parents to use powder with caution.

Some dermatologists prefer cornstarch. It’s gentle and works well for sensitive skin. But really, it comes down to how you use it.

Here’s what helped me most:

• Don’t shake powder near your baby’s face.
• Put a small amount on your hands, then apply.
• Use only on clean, dry skin. Never use on rashes or cuts.

With my own baby, I saw fewer skin issues when we switched to cornstarch. But every baby is different, so ask your doctor if you’re unsure.

The powder itself isn’t the main problem — it’s how and where it’s used that matters.

Safer Ways to Use Baby Powder

If you still want to use baby powder (I did for a while), the key is to use it with care. The powder itself isn’t the danger — breathing it in is. Babies have small lungs, and even a light cloud of powder can cause problems.

Here’s what helped me feel safer when I used it:

• Don’t shake it near your baby’s face. I always kept it far from their nose and mouth. I’d sprinkle a bit on my hands first, then pat it on gently.
• Use it only on clean, dry skin. If the area was damp or red, I skipped it. Powder can trap moisture and make rashes worse.
• Use just a little. A small amount goes a long way. I only used enough to stop rubbing or chafing.
• Keep it to the outer skin. I avoided any cuts, rashes, or raw spots.
• Wash your hands after. It’s easy to forget, but touching your baby’s face after using powder can spread it.

Some pediatricians say baby powder isn’t needed at all. I learned that with my second baby. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor first.

Natural & Talc-Free Alternatives to Baby Powder

Once the talc news came out, I started looking for safer choices. Turns out, there are lots of great options that work just as well.

Here are a few parent-approved picks:

• Arrowroot powder: A plant-based powder that’s soft and smooth. It absorbs moisture gently and was perfect for summer.
• Cornstarch-based powder: These are easy to find and kind to baby skin. Johnson’s new version uses this now.
• Organic baby powders: Brands like Evereden, Burt’s Bees, and Hello Bello make talc-free options. Many include calming herbs like chamomile or calendula.

And something I learned with time:

You might not need powder at all. A clean towel and a little diaper-free time can be just as helpful.

Whether you want to use powder, switch to something natural, or skip it, there are safe ways to keep your baby dry and happy.

What I Use Instead — Mom-to-Mom Talk

When I first learned about talc, I started to feel unsure about using baby powder. Even cornstarch didn’t feel right after a while. I wanted a gentler way to care for my baby’s skin—something that felt safer.

With my first baby, I used powder at every diaper change. It just felt like the “normal” thing to do. But after a few rashes (and lots of late-night research), I tried skipping it. And guess what? My baby’s skin got better.

Instead of baby powder, I now use:

• A soft towel to gently dry their skin
• A few minutes of diaper-free time
• A plain, fragrance-free diaper cream

There’s one balm I really loved. It had calendula and shea butter. It didn’t dry the skin like powder sometimes did. And I didn’t have to worry about them breathing in any dust.

With my second baby, I skipped powder from day one. Their skin stayed calm, and I felt more at ease.

Of course, every baby is different. What works for one might not work for all. So if you’re unsure, talk with your pediatrician. That’s what helped me figure out what felt right.

Final Verdict: Is Johnson’s Baby Powder Safe?

So, is Johnson’s Baby Powder safe? If you’re using the new cornstarch version, it’s much safer than the old one with talc. That switch made a big difference—for many parents, including me.

Here’s what I found out:

The old talc powder raised real concerns. Talc is often found near asbestos in nature. That meant the powder could be contaminated. It’s also why many lawsuits happened.

The new formula uses cornstarch. It’s plant-based and doesn’t carry the same risks. It still absorbs moisture, but in a gentler way.

How you use it matters just as much as what’s inside.
That means:

• Never puff it near your baby’s face
• Use only a small amount
• Apply to clean, dry skin—not broken skin

When I first became a mom, I used baby powder because everyone else did. But later, I tried using less. I found that fewer products actually worked better. My baby’s skin looked healthier too.

If you do choose to use Johnson’s Baby Powder—or any powder—stick to these tips:

• Keep it away from your baby’s face and lungs
• Use it sparingly
• Only apply to dry skin

And if you’re like me, wondering if there’s a better option—there is. Arrowroot powder and gentle creams are great choices. Many work just as well and feel safer.

In the end, what matters most is what works for your baby. Trust your gut. Talk to your pediatrician. You’ve got this.

FAQs: Is Johnson’s Baby Powder safe?