Titanium Dioxide

INCI Name

Titanium Dioxide

Botanical Name

None

Titanium Dioxide is a widely used mineral pigment and sunscreen agent that provides opacity, brightening, and UV protection. When formulated correctly, it is safe and effective for all skin types, especially as a mineral sunscreen active.

image of seasonal or new products (for a pharmacy)
Primary Function
Mineral/Pigment
Add'l Function
UV Filter
Colorant
Scent Profile
Odorless
Neutral
Is It Natural?
Naturally Identical Mineral (Lab-Refined)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

Icon of a face symbolizing skin type suitability

Skin Type Suitability

All
Sensitive
Oily
Dry
Combination
Mature
Baby/Child Safe
Considered Safe for Babies
Considered Safe for Teens
Icon of cosmetic bottles representing typical product use

Typical Product Use

UV filter, sunscreen agent, colorant, opacifying agent, thickener

Product Type(s):

Makeup
Lotion
Cream
Primer
Powder

Typical Usage Range:

2–25% depending on use (higher for sunscreens, lower for pigments)

Icon of a heart symbolizing supportive qualities of the ingredient

Supportive Qualities

Provides broad-spectrum UV protection, reduces visibility of imperfections through opacity, safe mineral-based sunscreen option, widely used as a natural white pigment in cosmetics

Primary Components:

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)

Icon of a caution triangle indicating important safety notes

Important to Know

Inhalation risk when in loose powder (nano and airborne forms); topical use in creams and sunscreens is generally safe

Icon of a magnifying glass representing sourcing tips

Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Mineral extraction and refinement (synthetic or naturally derived, purified and micronized)

Choose non-nano, coated cosmetic-grade titanium dioxide for safer sunscreen use; ensure compliance with regional regulations (e.g., EU restrictions on nano forms in food)

Icon of a target symbol indicating more information sources

More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.