Titanium dioxide is a mineral commonly used in skin care products like powder-based makeup and sunscreen. But is titanium dioxide safe for the skin?
Sunscreens with titanium dioxide are well suited for daily use as they provide efficient UV protection during prolonged sun exposure. Although it has been used in the skincare and beauty industry for years, there are some concerns about its safety. Read this article to learn all about using titanium dioxide for skin.
What is Titanium Dioxide?
Titanium dioxide is an odorless, white, inert mineral that occurs naturally on the earth’s surface(1). It is a popular natural ingredient in many mineral makeup products. Its light color, high refractive index, ability to filter UV rays, and opacity make it a great pigment that is commonly used in sunscreen and other skin and personal care products such as powders, blushes, soaps, lotions, and toothpastes. It is also used in paints, dentures, plastics, ceramics, paper and food additives.
There are some safety concerns about using titanium dioxide in skin care products. How safe is it for the skin? Find out below.
Is titanium dioxide safe for the skin? Are there any side effects?
Most commercial skin care products contain micronized titanium dioxide coated with aluminum oxide, dimethicone, silicon dioxide and trimethoxycaprylsilane. Therefore, it does not penetrate deeply into the skin.
Several studies have shown that titanium dioxide, even as nanoparticles, does not penetrate the skin or stratum corneum (SC) (2). A study published in the International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health showed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) cannot penetrate intact and damaged skin (3). It has been suggested that it can have a potentially toxic effect on the skin only with prolonged exposure.
It is believed to have carcinogenic properties when ingested orally or inhaled. However, none of the studies found evidence of carcinogenicity of titanium dioxide (4). There is also no evidence of adverse effects of titanium dioxide after topical application. However, some people may be allergic to it, and when applied topically, titanium dioxide can:
Irritating to eyes and skin
May cause coughing, phlegm and shortness of breath (if inhaled).
It is on the “Right To Know Hazardous Substance List” cited by (5).
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Because studies are inconclusive and there is no data on safe exposure levels, it is important to look for the Made Safe seal on skincare products before purchasing.
However, if you’re comfortable using products with titanium dioxide, don’t panic. It is an effective UV filter and can protect your skin from sun damage. Here’s why it’s commonly used in products.
Use of titanium dioxide in skin care
1. In sunscreen
Titanium dioxide particles can block harmful ultraviolet light rays and protect your skin from cancer, UV damage, photoaging and oxidative stress. It can scatter both UVA and UVB rays from your skin and is an active ingredient in mineral-based sunscreen products. It is gentle on the skin and does not cause a stinging sensation when applied around the eyes.
Another benefit of using titanium dioxide is that when used in lower concentrations, it doesn’t leave a white tinge on the skin (3).
2. In makeup products
Titanium dioxide is used in cosmetic products as a whitening, thickening and opacifying agent (3). It is commonly found in loose and pressed powders, eye shadows and blushes. The light-pigmented titanium dioxide particles break light rays. This property hides blemishes and skin pigmentation problems. It brightens the skin and provides the desired results.
3. In products for sensitive skin
Titanium dioxide is an inert earth mineral and is gentle on inflamed skin or skin prone to redness. Hence, it is commonly used in skin care products that are considered safe for sensitive skin.
Infographic: A simple guide to titanium dioxide for skin
Titanium dioxide is an inert chemical known for its sunscreen properties. This versatile ingredient is featured in multiple products for its benefits, from protecting against UV rays to minimizing blemishes. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the uses of titanium dioxide in skincare and the popular products that contain this gentle ingredient.
Titanium dioxide is not a new name in the skin care industry. It has been used in powder-based makeup and sunscreen. However, there have been some safety concerns about using titanium dioxide for skin. Although there is some speculation about the toxicity of the ingredient, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to show that titanium dioxide is dangerous to your skin. However, if you are allergic to the topical application of titanium dioxide, you may experience some reactions. So if you have used products with titanium dioxide, you can continue to use them; Otherwise, do a patch test before use.
In summary, titanium dioxide is a commonly used mineral in skin care products, particularly sunscreen and powder-based makeup. It is known for its ability to provide UV protection and is considered safe for topical use in most cases. Although there have been some safety concerns about its potential toxicity, scientific studies have shown that titanium dioxide does not penetrate deeply into the skin and is generally well tolerated.
When used in sunscreen, titanium dioxide effectively blocks harmful UV rays and protects skin from sun damage and aging. It is also used in makeup products to brighten the skin, conceal blemishes and provide a desirable finish. In addition, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive skin as it is an inert mineral and is gentle on inflamed or redness-prone skin.
Although there is no conclusive evidence that titanium dioxide is harmful when applied topically, some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to patch test before using any product containing titanium dioxide, especially if you are known to be sensitive to it.
Overall, titanium dioxide can be a useful ingredient in skin care products, providing effective sun protection and cosmetic benefits. If you are familiar with using products containing titanium dioxide and have not experienced any side effects, you can continue to do so without hesitation. However, if you are concerned, looking for the Made Safe seal on skin care products can provide additional reassurance.
