Is Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen) is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
INCI name TITANIUM DIOXIDE. Also called TiO2. CAS 13463-67-7.
Other names: TiO2, CI 77891, White Pigment
Is Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50, Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, MAC Studio Fix Powder |
| CAS number | 13463-67-7 |
What is Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen)?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an inorganic mineral compound used in cosmetics as a UV filter (UVB and short UVA protection), a white pigment (CI 77891), and an opacifier. In nano form, it is used in transparent sunscreens; in non-nano form, it provides full white coverage.
Why is Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen) used in personal-care products?
FDA-approved as a broad-spectrum sunscreen active (up to 25% in the US). Also used as a colorant in foundations, face powders, and lipsticks to provide coverage and whiteness. Note: separate food-grade TiO2 (E171) has been banned in food in the EU; this entry covers topical cosmetic use.
Is Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen) dangerous? Documented risks
Topical cosmetic-grade titanium dioxide (including nano-TiO2 in non-spray formulations) has been reviewed by the EU SCCS and confirmed safe. Nano-TiO2 does not penetrate intact skin. The EU restricts TiO2 in spray applications (inhalation risk for nano-TiO2 — classified as possibly carcinogenic by inhalation). In traditional non-nano form, no skin penetration or systemic concerns exist. The EU ban of TiO2 (E171) in food does not apply to topical cosmetic use.
Products that may contain Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen)
How to avoid Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen): safer alternatives
Zinc oxide provides better UVA protection and may be preferred in mineral-only sunscreens.
Frequently asked questions about Titanium Dioxide (Cosmetic/Sunscreen)
Is titanium dioxide in sunscreen the same as in food?
Chemically the same compound (TiO2), but the EU ban (E171 in food) is about ingestion risk, not skin contact. Topical cosmetic use of TiO2 remains fully permitted in the EU.
Does titanium dioxide leave a white cast?
Non-nano TiO2 leaves a visible white cast. Nano-TiO2 provides more transparent formulations at the cost of slightly reduced UV protection efficiency.
Is nano-TiO2 safe?
The EU SCCS confirmed nano-TiO2 does not penetrate intact skin and is safe in non-spray cosmetic sunscreens. Spray forms are restricted due to potential inhalation of nanoparticles.
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Sources
- SCCS Opinion on Titanium Dioxide (nano) in Sunscreens — EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
- FDA OTC Sunscreen — Titanium Dioxide — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: Titanium Dioxide — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.