Is Titanium Dioxide Safe?

In Home Care products, the presence of titanium dioxide is declared in line with local regulations, which can vary across the world. In some countries, titanium dioxide is not declared if only a small amount of the ingredient is used. In other countries titanium dioxide is grouped under ‘colourants’ in the ingredients list. In Europe, regulation requires all home care ingredients to be disclosed through a supporting website. You can find our product ingredient information page by visiting ‘

3. Lithopone can be used as a filler for leather and linoleum.

The morphology of vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs is coherent with the description of Degussa P25 typical population. Size distribution histograms were made from manual measures of the nanoparticles observed in SEM micrographs using ImageJ®. This data showed that more than 70% is anatase (between 20 and 60 nm) with a minor amount of rutile characteristic bars (between 80 and 100 nm) and a small amount of amorphous phase (<40 nm) [36]. Further analysis of the same sample areas with an EDS probe demonstrated the presence of organic material composed of C and O (Fig. 2). This material was found homogeneously distributed on the surface of the different shapes of P25TiO₂NP, not in the background, indicating a specific interaction that could be attributed to the functionalization of the P25TiO₂NPs with vitamin B2.

In a 2019 study published in the journal Nanotoxicology, researchers recreated the first phase of digestion in mice and fed them titanium dioxide, then examined whether accumulation occurred in the organs. Researchers wrote: “Significant accumulation of titanium was observed in the liver and intestine of E171-fed mice; in the latter a threefold increase in the number of TiO2 particles was also measured. Titanium accumulation in the liver was associated with necroinflammatory foci containing tissue monocytes/macrophages. Three days after the last dose, increased superoxide production and inflammation were observed in the stomach and intestine. Overall, [this] indicates that the risk for human health associated with dietary exposure to E171 needs to be carefully considered.”

On absorption of UV light, photo-generated titanium dioxide particles create singlet oxygen, superoxide anions (O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH-) that are potent free radicals (1,2). Irradiated particles of titanium dioxide can induce oxidative damage to DNA (2) which can lead to the development of mutant cells and skin cancers (3,4,5,6) and lipid peroxidation of essential functions on the cell membrane (7).

When E171 is part of a food product, it passes through the digestive system without causing harm because E171 combines with the other ingredients. 

There is some evidence that ingested titanium dioxide does not completely exit the body. A 2015 review of animal studies and a few human studies suggests titanium dioxide can get absorbed into the bloodstream and expose other organs to damage.

Some food products will include titanium dioxide on their nutrition label. But again, it can be hard to tell for those who don't list the ingredient. 

It is suitable as an alternative to titanium dioxide when higher acid resistance is required, such as in adhesive joints and sealants. 

5. Geographical Availability Depending on the location of businesses, suppliers with a good logistical network can ensure timely delivery and availability of stock. Local suppliers may also provide cost advantages compared to international counterparts due to reduced shipping fees.

Like all our products and ingredients, the titanium dioxide we use meets the highest standards for quality and safety, respecting all applicable laws and regulations as well as meeting our own safety assessments. Our scientists continue to review the latest scientific data and is confident that the titanium dioxide used in our products is safe.

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