Titanium Dioxide
Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022, but still permitted in cosmetics with restrictions.
Titanium dioxide was banned as a food additive in the EU in 2022 over genotoxicity concerns, but it remains permitted in cosmetics — including sunscreens — with restrictions on inhalable forms.
What is it?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white mineral pigment used as a colourant (CI 77891) and physical UV filter in sunscreens. It reflects and scatters UV radiation rather than absorbing it. It comes in micro and nano forms — nano-TiO2 is used in sunscreens for transparency, while micro-TiO2 provides opacity in makeup.
Where is it found?
Sunscreens (mineral/physical), foundations, concealers, toothpaste, white-coloured cosmetics, and pharmaceutical coatings. Previously ubiquitous in food (sweets, sauces, supplements) before the EU food ban.
EU regulation
Permitted in cosmetics as a UV filter (Annex VI) at up to 25% and as a colourant (Annex IV) with no specific limit. Since 2022, spray products containing nano-TiO2 must not be used in ways that could lead to lung exposure. Products must label nano-TiO2 as ‘Titanium Dioxide (nano).’ Banned as food additive E171 since August 2022.
Should you worry?
In lotions and creams, titanium dioxide sits on the skin surface and does not penetrate healthy skin in significant amounts — it’s considered safe. The concern is with inhalation: inhaled nano-TiO2 particles can cause lung inflammation. Avoid loose powder and spray sunscreens containing nano-TiO2. For non-inhalable cosmetic formats, it remains one of the safest UV filter options available.
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