Nanoparticles of Titanium Dioxide

INCI name:   Titanium Dioxide [nano].

Function:   Cosmetic colorant, opacifier, UV absorber, UV filter.

Origin:   Mineral.

Concentration allowed by the EU regulation:   Up to 25% in finished cosmetic products. Only nanomaterials with the following characteristics are allowed: Purity ≥ 99%; Rutile form or rutile mixture with up to 5% anatase with a crystalline structure and physical appearance of spherical, needle or lanceolate shaped aggregates; Median particle size value ≥ 30 nm based on the numerical size distribution; Shape factor of 1 to 4.5 and specific surface area expressed by volume ≤ 460 m2/cm3; Coated with silica, hydrated silica, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum stearate, stearic acid, trimethoxycaprylylsilane, glycerin, dimethicone, hydrogenated dimethicone, simethicone, or coated with any of the following combinations: silica at a maximum concentration of 16% and cetyl phosphate at a maximum concentration of 6%, alumina at a maximum concentration of 7% and manganese dioxide at a maximum concentration of 0.7% (not for use in lip products), alumina at a maximum concentration of 3% and triethoxycaprylylsilane at a maximum concentration of 9%, photocatalytic activity ≤ 10% compared to the corresponding uncoated or undoped reference, photostability of the nanoparticles in the final formulation.

Where to find it / Where they are found?:   Tinted creams/gels, BB creams, CC creams, sun creams, foundations, face creams.

Health risks:   Suspected percutaneous penetration, potential carcinogen (by inhalation), suspected mutagen.

Environmental risks:   Suspected aquatic ecotoxicity.

Alternative :  

Additional information:   Anti-UVA and UVB sun filter. Reduced to nanoparticles when used as a UV filter. Organic compatible (COSMOS standard). Prohibited in lip products, loose makeup powders and spray products. Classified in group 2B by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer).