Australian researchers examined how titanium dioxide as a food additive affected gut microbiota in mice by orally administering it in drinking water. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in 2019, found the treatment could “alter the release of bacterial metabolites in vivo and affect the spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in vitro by promoting biofilm formation. We also found reduced expression of the colonic mucin 2 gene, a key component of the intestinal mucus layer, and increased expression of the beta defensin gene, indicating that titanium dioxide significantly impacts gut homeostasis.” The changes were then linked to colonic inflammation, along with a higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, which are signal proteins that help with regulation. The researchers concluded that titanium dioxide “impairs gut homeostasis which may in turn prime the host for disease development.”
In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, scientists wanted to examine the effects of titanium dioxide as a food additive on atherosclerosis in mice. (Atherosclerosis refers to a hardening of the arteries.) Researchers fed mice 40 mg/kg of the food additive every day for 4 months, and found that it not only altered gut microbiota but also led to a significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion area, especially in animals that consumed a high-choline western diet (HCD).


To be added to food, this additive must achieve 99% purity. However, this leaves room for small amounts of potential contaminants like lead, arsenic, or mercury (1Trusted Source).
What are the different forms of titanium dioxide in beauty and personal care products?
1. Paints and Coatings Due to its excellent opacity and brightness, anatase TiO2 is extensively used as a pigment in paints. The high refractive index of this compound allows for better coverage and durability, making it an essential component in decorative and protective coatings.
This study & others have lead France to ban Titanium Dioxide as a Food Additive.
Fig. 8. Selected images of skin stratus treated with P25TiO2NPs 10% (left) and VitaminB2@P25TiO2NPs 10% (right) under light, showing no penetration of the nanoparticles (white arrows) beyond the outer stratum corneum.


What is the FDA limit for titanium dioxide?
Characterization of vitamins@P25TiO2NPs
See also
The most significant uncertainty identified by the EU experts was the concern that TiO2 particles may have genotoxic effects. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical to directly damage genetic material within a cell (DNA), which may lead to cancer in certain situations. Although the experts did not conclude that TiO2 particles in E171 are genotoxic, they could not rule out the concern that they might be.

The mineral appears to have low skin penetration, but it is a greater concern when inhaled frequently over time.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used in a variety of personal care products, including sunscreens, pressed powders, and loose powders, as a UV filter or whitening agent. In lotions and creams (dermal exposure), it is not a risk for adverse health effects. However, when titanium dioxide is inhalable—as it may be when in powder form—it is considered a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.Titanium dioxide nanoparticles do not appear to confer any unique health hazards.
High Scattering Power TiO2 DongFang R5566
2. Relative density: 4.136 to 4.39 g/mL.
One of the key advantages of using anatase titanium dioxide in coatings is its superior UV resistance. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications where coatings are exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors that can degrade the finish over time. Anatase titanium dioxide helps to protect the underlying surface from UV rays, preventing fading and deterioration.

In terms of sustainability, the use of rutile titanium dioxide in coatings aligns with the global push towards eco-friendliness. The product is non-toxic and, when combined with solvent-free formulations, can contribute to reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making it a safer option for both the environment and those applying the coatings.
Rebecca Capua is an assistant conservator in the Paper Conservation Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 2009. She received an MA in art history and an Advanced Certificate in art conservation from the Conservation Center, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University in 2007. Her primary area of research is on the materials of American artists of the late 19th and early 20th century. Address: The Sherman Fairchild Center for the Conservation of Works on Paper, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028. Email: rebecca.capua@metmuseum.org.
But in 2021, EFSA reevaluated titanium dioxide to consider the impacts of its nanoparticle. After considering more studies, EFSA concluded that nanoparticle-size titanium dioxide can accumulate in the body, break DNA strands and cause chromosomal damage.
Rutile titanium dioxide R-996, white powder, insoluble in water, non-physiological toxicity, stable chemical properties, surface coated with silicon, aluminum, zirconium and organic treatment has excellent pigment performance, whiteness, brightness, good gloss; Strong hiding power, achromatic power and fluidity Rutile titanium dioxide, white powder, insoluble in water, non-physiological toxicity, stable chemical properties, excellent pigment performance after the surface is coated with silicon, aluminum, zirconium and organically treated, whiteness , Brightness, good gloss, hiding power, achromatic power and fluidity are strong, with excellent weather resistance and anti-powder properties.