Is Titanium dioxide (E171) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Titanium dioxide (E171) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (processing aids).
CAS 13463-67-7.
Other names: E171, TiO2, CI 77891
Is Titanium dioxide (E171) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | candy, chewing gum, frosting, coffee creamer |
| CAS number | 13463-67-7 |
What is Titanium dioxide (E171)?
Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white coloring and opacifier used in candy, gum and frosting.
Why is Titanium dioxide (E171) used in food?
It is used to bleach, preserve, color or process food more cheaply at industrial scale.
Is Titanium dioxide (E171) dangerous? Documented risks
Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 over genotoxicity concerns; still allowed in US food.
Common US products containing Titanium dioxide (E171)
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail ColorSally Hansen
- Essie Nail Polish Ballet SlippersEssie
- Essie Gel Couture Nail PolishEssie
- NYX Soft Matte Lip CreamNYX
- Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte LipstickMaybelline
- L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin LipstickL'Oréal
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless FoundationMaybelline
- L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable FoundationL'Oréal
How to avoid Titanium dioxide (E171): safer alternatives
Choose minimally processed and EU-imported foods, read labels for these additives, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag them.
Frequently asked questions about Titanium dioxide (E171)
Is Titanium dioxide (E171) banned in the EU?
Yes — Titanium dioxide (E171) is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Titanium dioxide (E171) allowed in the US?
Titanium dioxide (E171) is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Titanium dioxide (E171) a concern?
Independent reviews flag Titanium dioxide (E171) for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Titanium dioxide (E171)?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Titanium dioxide (E171) instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Titanium dioxide (E171) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related processing aids
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- Banned ingredients in other countries — Food Revolution Network
- EFSA food additives — EFSA
- FDA Food Additives — U.S. FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.