A safety review conducted by the EFSA in 2021 assessed thousands of studies published on titanium dioxide.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are two widely used industrial materials with various applications. In this article, we will discuss the importance of CaCO3 and TiO2 in manufacturing processes and their impact on the global economy.
ElementisTitanium dioxide (E 171) is authorised as a food additive in the EU according to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that titanium oxide should not be considered safe as a food additive, due to uncertainties about possible inflammation and neurotoxicity (9Trusted Source).
The evidence also suggests that the toxicity of TiO2 particles may be reduced when eaten as part of the diet. This is because proteins and other molecules in a person's diet can bind to the TiO2 particles. This binding alters the physical and chemical properties of the particles, which influences how they interact with cells, tissues and organs.
It’s true that titanium dioxide does not rank as high for UVA protection as zinc oxide, it ends up being a small difference (think about it like being 10 years old versus 10 years and 3 months old). This is not easily understood in terms of other factors affecting how sunscreen actives perform (such as the base formula), so many, including some dermatologists, assume that zinc oxide is superior to titanium dioxide for UVA protection. When carefully formulated, titanium dioxide provides excellent UVA protection. Its UVA protection peak is lower than that of zinc oxide, but both continue to provide protection throughout the UVA range for the same amount of time.
In short, no, research demonstrates that E171 is safe when consumed in normal situations.
Moreover, how we're exposed to an ingredient matters significantly in terms of our health and potential toxicity.
Research shows that inhaling titanium dioxide particles in significant quantities over time can cause adverse health outcomes. Unless you work in an industrial setting, inhaling substantial amounts of titanium dioxide is highly unlikely.
Research supports that applying titanium dioxide to the skin in the form of sunscreens, makeup, and other topical products does not pose a health risk.
Overwhelmingly, research that's relevant to human exposure shows us that E171 is safe when ingested normally through foods and drugs (1,2).
Again, other research suggests that E171 could cause harm; however, those research processes did not design their studies to model how people are exposed to E171. Research that adds E171 to drinking water, utilizes direct injections, or gives research animals E171 through a feeding apparatus is not replicating typical human exposure, which occurs through food and medicine consumption.
Read more in-depth about the titanium dioxide risk at go.msu.edu/8Dp5.
Micronized titanium dioxide doesn’t penetrate skin so there’s no need to be concerned about it getting into your body. Even when titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used, the molecular size of the substance used to coat the nanoparticles is large enough to prevent them from penetrating beyond the uppermost layers of skin. This means you’re getting the sun protection titanium dioxide provides with no risk of it causing harm to skin or your body. The coating process improves application, enhances sun protection, and prevents the titanium dioxide from interacting with other ingredients in the presence of sunlight, thus enhancing its stability. It not only makes this ingredient much more pleasant to use for sunscreen, but also improves efficacy and eliminates safety concerns. Common examples of ingredients used to coat titanium dioxide are alumina, dimethicone, silica, and trimethoxy capryl silane.
Another vital aspect to consider when working with a lithopone pigment pricelist is the effect of quality on pricing. Higher purity pigments generally command a premium price because of their enhanced performance characteristics. When choosing a supplier, it’s essential to look for manufacturers who adhere to strict quality control standards. This ensures that the pigment not only meets industry standards but also performs reliably in various applications, thus justifying any additional costs.
Flavoring Agents
We apply titanium dioxide to our skin through sunscreens, makeup, lip balms, nail polish, and other cosmetic products.
Cover power(contrast to the sample)
≥105
Not everyone agrees, though. The European Commission banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in the European Union in 2022.