Titanium Dioxide

Titanium Dioxide – Pure Whiteness for Cosmetic Applications Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly used in many applications as a whitening, brightening and opacifying pigment. Pure TiO2 is inert, meaning it does not react with other components. It can be applied to the most sensitive areas of the body such as the eye area, around the mouth, and eyelids, and significantly reduces the risk of allergic reaction. TiO2 provides intense color content in personal care, skincare and colored cosmetic applications. With its higher density and brightness, it helps absorb oils secreted from the skin. By protecting the skin from UV rays, it makes sun care products extremely suitable. With the ability to even out skin tone and the increasing desire of users to have healthy, beautiful skin, it is driving demand for skincare products.  

Application Areas:

• Liquid and Powder-Based Foundations, • Bronzers, • Blushes, • Eye Shadows, • Mascaras, • Lipsticks, • Sun Care Products, • Soaps, • Shampoos, • Nail Polishes, • Body Lotions and Creams. The pigment form of TiO2 (particle size 5 microns and above), when used with other colors, not only gives cosmetic products density and brightness but also allows manufacturers to create different shades suitable for all skin types in foundations and lipsticks. The non-pigment form of TiO2 (particle size 5 microns and below) is an important component in sun care products, absorbing and scattering both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn and premature aging. This property is also used intelligently in colored cosmetic products. Thus, it imparts UV protection properties to BB creams, foundations and lipsticks. The use of very fine particle size TiO2 allows sun protection products to be applied as a thin layer. This leads users to prefer it over other white-opaque sunscreens. While TiO2 helps absorb oils on the skin, it imparts an opacity that reduces unwanted shine. This is an important feature for cosmetic products manufactured for a matte appearance. In food and pharmaceutical applications, TiO2 needs to be processed with higher purity and brightness. Purity should be greater than 99% and heavy metals should be well controlled. (For example: Lead content should be less than 10 ppm, arsenic content should be less than 3 ppm.) TiO2 is an FDA-approved additive used to enhance the white color of certain foods such as dairy products and confectionery, and to add brightness to toothpastes and certain pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a flavor enhancer in non-white foods such as dried vegetables, nuts, seeds, soups, beer and wine. Various standard and surface-treated TiO2 products are available on the market for different applications. Standard-processed TiO2 is adapted as rutile and anatase with different crystal structures, different particle sizes and soft texture. Surface-treated TiO2 offers superior advantages in terms of texture, brightness and dispersibility in different products. Surface-treated TiO2 with different properties may be coated with different components such as tri-ethoxy capryl silane, Lauroyl Lysine (3L), and dimethicone. TiO2 has established its place as a widely used raw material in various sectors such as cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals for various purposes, thanks to the superior performance characteristics it provides to the end product. Its use is of great importance in many sectors both in the development of new products and in ensuring the required spectrum of the final product. Zeynep Semiz Commercial Manager Color&More Züleyha Dursun Internal Sales Specialist Color&More