Is Titanium Dioxide Safe In Makeup?
It’s no secret that I love makeup. A little mascara, a touch of blush, or an even layer of foundation can make you look more polished and feel more put together. And it’s also fun! If you’ve gotten a makeup subscription box or even just treated yourself to a big haul of your favorite makeup, you know the joy of playing around with all the new products. But, you know I also like my makeup safe.
As someone who cares deeply about ingredient safety, I’ve learned that not all makeup is created equal. Many personal care products contain ingredients that raise questions about long-term exposure and overall safety. One ingredient that comes up again and again in clean beauty conversations is titanium dioxide.
Titanium dioxide is one of the most widely used ingredients in makeup and mineral sunscreens. It’s found in foundations, powders, concealers, blushes, eyeshadows, and products with SPF. Because it’s so common (and because it has been scrutinized in certain contexts) I’m dedicating this post to answering the big question: Is titanium dioxide safe in makeup?
Is Titanium Dioxide Safe In Makeup?
There has been increasing concern among beauty consumers and health-focused readers about the safety and potential toxicity of titanium dioxide in makeup. Much of this concern stems from headlines referencing cancer classifications and nanoparticle debates.
The primary issue is not skin application: it’s inhalation risks from powder form products. When titanium dioxide becomes airborne in loose powders, setting powders, or aerosolized sprays, fine particles may be inhaled into the lungs. This has prompted discussions about occupational exposure and long-term respiratory health.
We’ll take a look at regulatory stances from authoritative groups, including the FDA, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, later in this post. While I agree with some agencies more than others, I think it’s a good place to start. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether you want to continue using products that contain titanium dioxide.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is Titanium Dioxide In Makeup?
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral derived from titanium, which is found in the earth’s crust. After processing and purification, it becomes a white pigment widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.
On ingredient labels, you’ll typically see it listed as:
- Titanium Dioxide
- CI 77891
It’s valued because it’s extremely stable, provides bright white pigment, and is considered non-reactive when applied to intact skin.
In mineral-based products, titanium dioxide is often paired with zinc oxide (another mineral sunscreen ingredient) to provide broad-spectrum sun protection.
What Does Titanium Dioxide Do In Makeup?
Titanium dioxide plays several important roles in cosmetic formulations:
- Helps foundation and powder look opaque and even
- Acts as a physical sunscreen ingredient by reflecting UVA / UVB rays in products with SPF
- Mattifies skin and blurs imperfections by scattering visible light
Its ability to scatter light is one reason it gives skin that soft-focus, blurred finish so many people love.
Is Titanium Dioxide In Makeup Safe?
Regulatory and Scientific Consensus
Major regulators like the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and the U.S. FDA consider nano- and non-nano titanium dioxide safe for topical use in cosmetics at approved concentrations. They do not classify it as carcinogenic through skin contact.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified titanium dioxide as a “possible carcinogen” (Group 2B), but this classification applies specifically to inhalation of high concentrations of fine, respirable particles, primarily in occupational settings.
Studies show that titanium dioxide generally does not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) when applied to intact skin. This means systemic absorption appears to be minimal under normal cosmetic use.
From a topical perspective, regulatory bodies currently consider titanium dioxide safe.
Inhalation Risks and Powder Makeup
The main concern arises with airborne particles in powder form products.
Loose setting powders, mineral foundations, and aerosol sprays can release fine particles into the air. When inhaled repeatedly over time, especially in occupational environments, these respirable particles may pose a lung health risk.
For everyday makeup users, the risk is significantly lower than industrial exposure levels. Still, if you’re concerned, you might consider:
- Choosing pressed powders instead of loose powder form
- Avoiding aerosolized spray sunscreens with titanium dioxide
- Applying powders in well-ventilated areas
- Opting for cream or liquid formulas
This is where personal comfort level comes into play.
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Considerations
Titanium dioxide is generally considered non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin. However, some individuals report breakouts or mild irritation.
This may not always be due to titanium dioxide itself but rather the overall formulation. If you have reactive or acne-prone skin, patch testing new products is always wise.
Nanoparticles
Nano-sized titanium dioxide particles are used in some formulations to reduce the white cast and improve cosmetic elegance.
While concerns have been raised about nanoparticles penetrating the skin, current research indicates that even nano-titanium dioxide does not penetrate intact skin to a significant degree.
Regulatory bodies currently consider nano-titanium dioxide safe for topical cosmetic use, though research into long-term environmental health impact and cumulative exposure is ongoing.
What Makeup Does Not Contain Titanium Dioxide?
If you prefer to avoid titanium dioxide entirely, especially in powder form, there are a few brands formulating without it. Unfortunately, it’s still included with certain shades, so be sure to check labels.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint (select shades)
This is a great lightweight foundation/tinted serum. While many tinted SPF products use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, some shades and formulas lean more heavily on zinc oxide alone for mineral protection.
Zinc oxide serves a similar UV-reflective function but has a different particle profile. Always double-check labels, as formulations change.
Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation
This foundation uses oat milk, peach extract, and vitamin E as key ingredients. Some shades minimize or omit titanium dioxide and rely more on iron oxides for color.
If you’re looking for more ingredient-conscious options, I’ve also shared my favorite affordable natural beauty products that prioritize safer formulations without sacrificing performance.
And if you’re shopping for younger users, my guide to natural makeup for teens walks through cleaner options specifically for tweens and teens just getting started with cosmetics. *This doesn’t list it as an ingredient, but some places state that it may contain CI 77891*
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer (Select Shades)
This cult-favorite concealer avoids titanium dioxide in some shades and instead uses nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, castor seed oil, and jojoba oil.
For opacity, it relies more heavily on iron oxides for pigmentation rather than mineral whiteners.
So, is titanium dioxide safe in makeup?
Based on current scientific evidence and regulatory consensus, titanium dioxide appears safe for topical use in cosmetics and personal care products when applied to intact skin. It does not seem to significantly penetrate the skin barrier, and it is not considered carcinogenic through skin contact.
The primary concern lies in the inhalation of fine particles in powder form, particularly in occupational or high-exposure scenarios.
If you love your mineral foundation and it works well for your skin, there’s no strong evidence suggesting you need to panic. But if you prefer to minimize inhalation exposure or are especially mindful of environmental health considerations, you can opt for cream formulations or titanium dioxide-free alternatives.
As always, informed choices, not fear, are the goal. Understanding how ingredients function, how they’re regulated, and how they interact with the body empowers you to decide what aligns with your comfort level and lifestyle.
