The pricing of lithopone pigments can fluctuate based on several factors, including raw material costs, production processes, and market demand. Typically, wholesale prices reflect the bulk purchasing power, enabling businesses to acquire these materials at a lower cost per unit. Over the years, the market has seen fluctuations in prices due to changes in the supply chain and global economic conditions. It is crucial for buyers to stay informed about these trends to budget effectively and maintain profitability.

Uses & Benefits

Sunscreens made with mineral active ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, generally score well in EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. They provide strong sun protection with few health concerns and don’t easily break down in the sun. 

Because the seller's inventory is small, the manufacturer has no willingness to reduce the price of sales, and the demand for new orders in the market is relatively large.Trend: The load of titanium dioxide enterprises is stable, the willingness to ship at low prices is not strong, and the downstream buyers still have inventory digestion, and the intention to supplement orders in the short term is limited. It is expected that the titanium dioxide market today just needs to stabilize the price, and the market trading atmosphere is more general.

While the FDA maintains that the regulated use of titanium dioxide is safe, the European Food Safety Authority and some other experts warn of potential, serious health risks.

Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.

The trouble with titanium dioxide, by Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, Herald Leader, October 4, 2023

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Less frequently, we ingest E171 through liquids such as salad dressing, dairy products, and some artificially colored drinks. However, since E171 is insoluble, manufacturers must use other stabilizers to keep E171 suspended in liquids as an emulsion; otherwise, it will settle to the bottom. 

Titanium dioxide is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, opacifying, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. It protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered non-risky in terms of of skin sensitivity. Because it is gentle, titanium dioxide is a great sunscreen active for sensitive, redness-prone skin. It’s great for use around the eyes, as it is highly unlikely to cause stinging.

Not everyone agrees, though. The European Commission banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in the European Union in 2022.