THE WHAT? In a landmark ruling, Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff, Kenvue Inc., have been ordered to pay US$45 million to the family of Theresa Garcia, an Illinois woman who attributed her fatal cancer to the companies’ talcum-based baby powders. This verdict, delivered by a Chicago jury, marks the first against Kenvue and a significant development in the decade-long litigation surrounding J&J’s baby powder products.
THE DETAILS The jury assigned 70% of the responsibility for Garcia’s death to Kenvue, with the remainder attributed to J&J and its other units. Garcia, a mother of six and grandmother, died in 2020 from mesothelioma, a cancer typically linked to asbestos exposure. Her family alleged that J&J and Kenvue’s predecessor knowingly sold baby powder contaminated with asbestos. This verdict follows a series of legal challenges for J&J, including a dismissed bankruptcy filing by one of its units intended to settle talc cases. Just a day before this verdict, a Florida jury had dismissed similar allegations against J&J.
THE WHY? J&J has consistently denied that its talc products cause cancer, maintaining that it has responsibly marketed its baby powder for over a century. In response to declining sales and ongoing litigation, J&J announced it would phase out talc-based products globally by December 2023, transitioning to cornstarch-based formulations. Kenvue, which now oversees the production of J&J’s consumer goods like Tylenol and Listerine, has confirmed it no longer produces or sells talc-based baby powder.
Clinical aesthetics products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology. These products are typically designed and formulated to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or trained aestheticians. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain active ingredients or formulations that require expertise in their application or administration.
Examples of clinical aesthetics products include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Examples include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables that temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, such as frown lines and crow's feet.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. They can treat acne, pigmentation issues, and signs of aging.
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Laser and Light Therapies: Devices that emit focused light or laser energy to treat various skin conditions, including acne, scars, and signs of aging.
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Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants to address specific skin concerns under medical supervision.
