Titanium Dioxide in Food and Cosmetics: Is It Safe?

Titanium dioxide is used as an additive in food, some cosmetics, and other products. But, recently, questions have arisen over the chemical’s safety. 

The European Union (EU) banned titanium dioxide in foods in 2022. But not long after, EU officials issued a statement saying they no longer considered it to be a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). 

While titanium dioxide remains banned as a food additive in the EU, the U.S. and Canadian governments have said the ingredient is OK to consume in low amounts. So is titanium dioxide actually safe? Here is what you need to know.

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What is titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is a metal-derived powder. It is the result of a chemical reaction between titanium and air. And although it can occur naturally, most titanium dioxide is manmade. 

Titanium dioxide is added to many products, including food, medications, and many household items. It is odorless, white, and scatters light. This makes it useful for whitening materials or making colors pop. It can also filter light as an ingredient in sunscreen and defog coatings. 

As a result of its widespread use, there is concern about people’s exposure to the additive and its potential health effects. 

Is titanium dioxide safe?

Officials in both the U.S. and Canada have said that they believe food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) is safe to consume in small amounts. As long as products containing the chemical are not inhaled, titanium dioxide is also safe for use on the skin in certain amounts, according to both governments. In fact, the FDA allows titanium dioxide to be used in skincare, feminine products, and more.

In 2021, the EU declared titanium dioxide unsafe for use as a chemical in food. The studies that formed the basis of the decision suggested that only a small amount of titanium dioxide particles could be absorbed by the body. But panel members claimed that the chemical could build up as a result of regular exposure. So the potential for titanium dioxide to damage DNA and cause cancer couldn’t be discounted. 

However, in late 2022, the EU withdrew their ruling about titanium dioxide being a potential carcinogen. The General Court explained that the quality of the studies wasn’t strong enough to support such a claim. 

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Before the EU ruling was overturned, Mars, Inc. was sued for using titanium dioxide in Skittles candy. 

Does titanium dioxide cause cancer?

At this point, there’s not enough evidence to prove that titanium dioxide causes cancer. Here’s what we know so far:

• The idea that titanium dioxide may cause cancer comes from older studies on rats that were exposed to high amounts of the chemical. But the chemical has not been linked to cancer in other animals or humans.

• People working in the titanium dioxide industry may have a slightly higher risk of lung cancer than the general public, according to studies. But studies have not found a direct link between cancer and titanium dioxide, because these workers are exposed to other carcinogens, like asbestos.

• Some research on rats and mice suggests that most titanium dioxide leaves the body through waste. But other data suggests that even the smallest amounts can accumulate in the body over time. 

In response to the concern around titanium dioxide, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recommended limits on exposure.

Which foods contain titanium dioxide?

When titanium dioxide is used as a food additive, it’s called E171. This substance is used as an ingredient in foods like: 

• Chewing gum

• Toppings containing powdered sugar, like white icing

• Candy

• Low-fat dairy products, like skim milk and ice cream

• Food dyes

• Cottage cheese

• Food decorations and fillings

• Seasonings and sauces

• Flavored beverages, including some alcoholic drinks

• Supplements

• Many packaged meals and ultra-processed foods 

Worldwide, people consume about 4 million tons of E171 each year. A person eating a typical diet could consume 300 mcg to 400 mcg of titanium dioxide per day. And children may consume up to four times more titanium dioxide per kilogram of body weight than adults. That’s because kids are more likely to eat candy and other processed desserts. 

Titanium dioxide is FDA approved for use as a food color additive and in food packaging. That said, the FDA limits the allowed amount of titanium dioxide in foods to no more than 1% of the food’s weight. 

But keep in mind: Titanium dioxide may be listed as an ingredient under another name. It may be listed as artificial or added coloring, for example. So it can be difficult to tell from a food’s label how much titanium dioxide it contains.

Titanium dioxide in sunscreen and other products

Apart from food, titanium dioxide is also found in products like:

• Sunscreen

• Makeup

• Toothpaste

• Plastics

• Paint and coatings

• Flooring and roofing material

• Paper

• Rubber

• Adhesives

• Tattoos

• Medications

• Antifogging coatings on glass and other material

• Prosthetic implants, such as those for knees and hips

The FDA allows titanium dioxide in sunscreen because it helps block harmful ultraviolet rays. As with food products, the agency does not require titanium dioxide to be listed as such on skincare packaging.

Similarly, the European Commission, an executive EU body, agreed that topical products containing up to a 25% concentration of titanium dioxide may be safe if they’re used on healthy or even sunburnt skin. But there’s no data on whether titanium dioxide poses any risk if applied to damaged skin. 

One area of potential concern is that people may inhale particles of titanium dioxide from sprayed sunscreens. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety does not recommend use of spray sunblocks for this reason.

Titanium dioxide in tampons and pads

Titanium dioxide is an ingredient in many menstrual hygiene products including tampons and pads. To date, there is no published research on how much, if any, titanium dioxide is absorbed through the vulva or vagina. 

Because New York state requires period product manufacturers to disclose their materials, it’s becoming easier for residents to look up ingredients used in tampons and to avoid titanium dioxide, if they’re interested or concerned.

Should you be concerned about titanium dioxide in food and other products?

While there could be cause for concern about titanium dioxide in certain products, more research is needed to fully understand the risks. And avoiding titanium dioxide is challenging because it doesn’t have to be disclosed as such on most labels. 

If you are concerned about consuming titanium dioxide, you can limit your intake by avoiding processed candies, sweets, and cake decorations. You can also look for feminine care products that don’t use titanium dioxide.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Candace Nelson, MS, CN

Candace Nelson, MS, CN, is an award-winning journalist specializing in health and condition care. She is passionate about preventing chronic conditions.

Edited by:

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC, is a health editor at GoodRx. She is a nutritionist and integrative nutrition health coach with over 8 years of experience in health communications.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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