Titanium dioxide is widely used as a color-enhancer in cosmetic and over-the-counter products like lipsticks, sunscreens, toothpaste, creams, and powders. It’s usually found as nano-titanium dioxide, which is much smaller than the food-grade version (7Trusted Source).
- The demand for rutile titanium dioxide has been on the rise due to its excellent properties, including high brightness, weather resistance, and chemical stability. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for various industries that require durable and long-lasting products. As a result, China's rutile titanium dioxide industry has been growing rapidly, with production capacities expanding to meet the ever-increasing demand.
- Today, pigment lithopone factories continue to operate globally, albeit on a smaller scale than during their peak in the mid-20th century. They have become more efficient and environmentally conscious, thanks to advancements in technology and increased regulation. Furthermore, they have diversified their product lines to include other pigments and compounds, ensuring their survival in an increasingly competitive market.
- In conclusion, China's production of 99% titanium dioxide is a testament to the country's manufacturing prowess and technological advancements. With its high quality, competitive prices, and strong export capabilities, Chinese titanium dioxide has become a staple in industries around the world. By addressing challenges and investing in innovation, China is poised to remain a key player in the global titanium dioxide market for years to come.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from the earth, processed and refined, and added to a variety of foods, as well as other consumer products. White in color, it is used to enhance the color and sheen of certain foods and is also key for food safety applications. In its natural state it exists in different bulk crystalline forms, such as anatase and rutile, but during processing it is ground into a very fine powder.
- In the world of pigments, anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) stands out for its unique properties and wide-ranging applications. This article delves into the evolution and significance of manufacturers specializing in anatase TiO2 pigments, highlighting their critical role in various industries.
Because of their small size, nanoparticles may have unique physical and chemical properties. These properties may cause them to interact with living systems differently than larger materials with the same chemical composition (also known as bulk materials).
Stability and darkening[edit]
Likewise, the plastics industry relies heavily on titanium dioxide to enhance the appearance and durability of plastic products. With the increasing popularity of plastic packaging and consumer goods, the demand for titanium dioxide in this industry is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years. The versatility of titanium dioxide makes it a valuable additive to improve the brightness, opacity and color stability of plastic materials, ensuring improved product performance and consumer satisfaction.
Why does the exposure route matter, and what's the risk?
North America
Micronized titanium dioxide doesn’t penetrate skin so there’s no need to be concerned about it getting into your body. Even when titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used, the molecular size of the substance used to coat the nanoparticles is large enough to prevent them from penetrating beyond the uppermost layers of skin. This means you’re getting the sun protection titanium dioxide provides with no risk of it causing harm to skin or your body. The coating process improves application, enhances sun protection, and prevents the titanium dioxide from interacting with other ingredients in the presence of sunlight, thus enhancing its stability. It not only makes this ingredient much more pleasant to use for sunscreen, but also improves efficacy and eliminates safety concerns. Common examples of ingredients used to coat titanium dioxide are alumina, dimethicone, silica, and trimethoxy capryl silane.
4. Should I stop eating products that contain TiO2?
Specification:
EFSA Scientific Conclusion on E171
Pendant longtemps on a reproché au lithopone sa mauvaise tenue à l'extérieur, due à la dégradation photolytique du sulfure de zinc et/ou à la présence de traces de chlore, provoquant un noircissement du revêtement. Même si la recherche a permis d'éradiquer en grande partie ce problème, on réserve son emploi dans les peintures intérieures pour les raisons suivantes :
Titanium dioxide is added to some food packaging to preserve the shelf life of a product.

You see sometime ago, before they changed their warranty to exclude sunscreen damage, Bluescope Steel were getting countless warranty claims for peeling paint. All curiously shaped in fingerprint patterns around the edge of their metal sheets. This was a little perplexing & financially worrying for the bosses at Bluescope steel so they got some clever scientists to test the damaged roof sheets.
In food products, E171 is not a singular ingredient; it’s always combined with other ingredients (e.g., proteins and fats) in the food product. Digesting food is a slow process for the body compared to drinking a beverage, which passes much faster through the body.
The year 2016 had shown a strong rebound of China’s TiO2 business in general, according to market intelligence firm CCM. The market situation in 2015 was quite depressed, while in 2016 huge price rises have benefited the financial performance of China’s manufacturers.
In recent decades, concerns for the risks of titanium dioxide consumption have grown.