Titanium Dioxide: Why Is This White Powder So Talked About?
Arin Editorial · how this is made
You may see titanium dioxide on your sunscreen or foundation label. This powder, which gives whiteness and protects from the sun, also shows up in headlines as a 'carcinogen'. Both are true; it depends on the conditions.
What is it and where do you see it?
Titanium dioxide is a mineral powder made of titanium and oxygen. Because of its white color, it is used both as a colorant and a UV filter. You find it often in cosmetics like foundation, powder, and sunscreen; it is also in paint, food, and pharmaceuticals. It may be listed as CI 77891 on labels.
It has two jobs with separate rules
Its first job is as a colorant: it provides coverage as a white pigment. Its second is as a UV filter: it reflects UV rays physically and does not penetrate the skin. European regulation treats these two roles separately. Use as a colorant is unrestricted. As a UV filter, there is a limit of 25%. This limit applies only to products intended as UV filters, like sunscreens, not to all cosmetics.
Why the controversy: inhalation
The debate centers on inhaling the powder form. IARC classifies titanium dioxide as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B). This classification is based on workers inhaling high doses of powder. It is a hazard classification, not a statement that it causes cancer in this product. The SCCS says that in cosmetics, products that lead to exposure by inhalation could pose a risk. The European Commission, based on this opinion, has restricted its use in powder and spray forms. Most research on nanoparticles has also focused on the respiratory system. Cream products are outside this restriction. Skin tests show that titanium dioxide does not irritate or sensitize.
In the European Union, titanium dioxide is approved as a UV filter up to 25%; its use in powder and spray products that cause inhalation exposure is restricted.
If you see titanium dioxide on a label, check the product form first. Creams, lotions, and foundations are allowed and tested. For powders and sprays, try not to inhale the dust. Hold your breath briefly or use a brush while applying. If you want to be extra cautious, you can choose cream forms.
Sources
- IARC Monographs (Grup 2B, cilt 47 ve 93)
- SCCS Opinion on Titanium Dioxide (SCCS/1617/20)
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III, IV, VI
- EPA ToxValDB