The various uses of titanium dioxide.

How to use titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a common substance highly valued in the cosmetics industry. It appears as a white powder once purified and is primarily known for its ability to protect the skin from UV rays. In addition to this, it is used to brighten and enhance the texture of cosmetic products. From sun creams to foundations, it plays a crucial role. But to use it correctly, it's important to understand its effects and best practices for integration into formulations. Here's an overview of the different uses and characteristics of this ingredient.

Published on June 11, 2025, by Jamal, PhD, Doctor of human pathology and infectious diseases — 8 min of reading

Why is titanium dioxide a key ingredient in skincare?

Titanium dioxide is a natural mineral that, once processed, becomes a fine white powder, and it's this powder that gives it its strength. In skincare, it is primarily used for its sun protection effects. It acts as a shield against ultraviolet rays, absorbing them. This helps to prevent sunburn, premature skin ageing, and the development of skin cancer.

It is also widely used in products such as foundations, BB creams, and complexion correctors, where it provides a smoother and more even texture. Thanks to its white colour, it allows for better coverage of imperfections and creates a more uniform complexion. That's not all, it also has the ability to subtly enhance the skin's brightness, which is particularly sought after in tinted products, without however altering the skin's natural colour.

What makes TiO₂ even more popular is its stability and inability to penetrate the skin. This is a significant advantage for those with sensitive skin. In summary, it's a versatile ingredient that combines both effectiveness and safety, while providing visible cosmetic benefits.

How to use titanium dioxide?

The titanium dioxide is used in various forms in the field of skincare, offering multiple benefits.

Using TiO₂ as a sunscreen filter.

TiO₂ is a key ingredient in many sunscreens. For optimal protection, products containing between 5% and 25% of TiO₂ are generally recommended. This allows for effective coverage against UVA and UVB rays.

TiO₂, in the form of nanoparticles, allows for a more transparent application on the skin, without leaving that infamous white residue often associated with sun creams. However, it is crucial that these particles are properly encapsulated, as poor management can lead to the formation of free radicals when exposed to UV rays.

For enhanced protection, it is also common tocombine TiO₂ with other sun filters, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), which extends the photoprotective coverage against UV radiation.

Use of titanium dioxide in tinted products.

In tinted skincare products, the titanium dioxide (CI 77891) is a widely used pigment due to its ability to provide opacity while offering a certain level of absorption. In the context of tinted products such as foundations or BB creams, it helps to improve the formula's durability and coverage level, while reducing to a certain degree the shiny areas of the face.

In powders, whether they are compact or loose, TiO₂ also plays a significant role by matting the skin and concealing minor blemishes, while providing a natural finish. However, it is crucial to incorporate it correctly into the formula to avoid what is known as the "white mask" effect. Finally, in lipsticks or lip glosses, its white colour and stability make it an ideal ingredient to adjust shades and ensure long-lasting wear.

What about the safety and usage precautions of titanium dioxide?

The safety of using titanium dioxide in skincare is confirmed by several regulatory bodies. However, certain precautions must be applied, particularly for sprayable products, where it should not be used in sprays or aerosol products, as if inhaled, it can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, and loose powder products containing TiO₂ should be used with caution to avoid the risk of inhalation.

For products applied to the skin, studies show that TiO₂ remains on the skin's surface without penetrating into the deeper layers, thus minimising systemic risks. Furthermore, in formulations exposed to light, TiO₂ is often coated with a protective layer (silica or aluminium) to limit the formation of free radicals. This coating helps to prevent adverse reactions, while allowing TiO₂ to maintain its protective properties. Antioxidants are sometimes added to enhance this safety by neutralising the free radicals generated by sun exposure, ensuring greater stability and effectiveness of the products.