Ultrafine/nanoscale particles of titanium dioxide have been approved for use in sunscreen products by FDA since 1999. A 1979 U.S. National Toxicology Program study, in which titanium dioxide was fed at very high concentrations in the diet of mice and rats concluded that it did not cause cancer in either species. Overall, titanium dioxide in skin creams has a positive effect on the upper dermis of the skin with few negative health effects 4. Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. However, one apparent disadvantage of ZnO and TiO2 is that in their macroparticulate (bulk) form in sunscreens, they are visible on the skin as an opaque layer resulting in reluctance of consumers to use the products. Titanium oxide, better known as titanium dioxide, is a physical sunscreen that reflects UV light before it can damage your skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Caroline Thompson is a professional photojournalist who has been working for print and online publications since 1999. Also known as titanium (IV) oxide or titania, it is the naturally occurring compound comprised of the metal titanium and oxygen. When use… In OTC drug products, it is used as a sunscreen agent. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Titanium dioxide may be a mild skin irritant in some people. The ultrafine version of the titanium dioxide is used in the production of the following products: Catalysts: Titanium dioxide is often used as a support material for catalyst applications. It has a white appearance when applied to skin. Titanium dioxide is used as a colorant to make cosmetics and personal care products that are applied to the skin (including the eye area), nails, and lips white in color. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety researchers tested five volunteers with an application of 0.1mg of titanium dioxide powder once daily for three days 5. Titanium dioxide is also an approved colorant for food, drugs and medical devices. In that opinion, the SCCS acknowledged that nanoscale particles of titanium dioxide do not penetrate the skin and concluded that their use at concentrations up to 25% as UV filters in sunscreens does not pose any risk of adverse effects in humans after application on healthy, intact or sunburnt skin. The biggest health effect of using titanium dioxide creams is reduced risk of skin cancer 4. Titanium dioxide is used as a colorant to make cosmetics and personal care products that are applied to the skin (including the eye area), nails, and lips white in color. Extensive scientific data demonstrates that nanoscale titanium dioxide does not penetrate the skin. Sunscreens: How to Read a Label, Expert Tips etc. The powder was used on both intact and damaged skin. 2006;20(3):301-7. Titanium dioxide is one of the sunscreen ingredients recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 23. This allows titanium dioxide to have an iridescent and bright quality. "The in vitro absorption of microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide through porcine skin." The results produced almost no irritation in any of the volunteers. Inorganic UV filters zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been used as ingredients in sunscreens for over three decades. Four million tons of pigmentary TiO2 are consumed annually. Safety Measures/Side Effects: Sunscreens are for use on the skin only. One of the most common uses of titanium dioxide is as an active ingredient in sunscreens. Sunscreens are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Fortunately, in healthy skin, uptake appears to be minimal. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. It is a white powder that is made up of titanium and oxygen. GET STARTED. Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, To decrease risk, regulary use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including: *limit time in the sun, especially from 10am-2 pm *wearlong-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses *children under 6 months of age: Ask a doctor Case in point: concealers. Follow all directions on the product package. Titanium dioxide is listed as a safe ingredient with no known adverse effects when used in cosmetics and approved by FDA. Titanium dioxide is allowed for use as a cosmetic colorant in the European Union without restriction when purity requirements are fulfilled. Is Titanium Dioxide Safe to Use on the Skin? 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