Titanium Dioxide

White pigment · UV filter

What is Titanium Dioxide, and why is it used?

A white mineral used as a sunscreen filter and pigment. Regulatory status differs by use and region.

In sunscreen

One of two filters the FDA proposed (2019) as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective for sunscreen use.

In food (E171)

No longer authorized as a food additive in the EU since 2022, after EFSA (2021) could not rule out genotoxicity concerns. Still permitted as a color additive in the US.

Route matters

Swallowing particles in food, inhaling powder, and applying to intact skin are different exposures — a key hazard-vs-risk lesson.

Evidence & sources

• EFSA concluded E171 could no longer be considered safe as a food additive. Evidence: regulatory. Known: A genotoxicity concern could not be ruled out from available data. Unknown: Whether real-world dietary exposure causes harm in humans. Source: European Food Safety Authority, Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive (May 2021).

Connected topics

• Sunscreen
• Zinc Oxide
• Hazard ≠ Risk

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.