Titanium Dioxide — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Also known as: CI 77891, TiO2
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 13463-67-7
- Category
- uv filter
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Max Concentration
- 25%
- Found In
- sunscreen, foundation, powder
Is Titanium Dioxide safe in cosmetics?
Titanium Dioxide is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in sunscreen, foundation, powder.
What is Titanium Dioxide?
Physical/mineral UV filter. Mainly UVB protection. Can leave white cast.
Allergy & Safety Information
Titanium Dioxide is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About UV Filter / Sunscreen Agent Ingredients
UV filters absorb or reflect ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from UV-induced damage. They fall into two categories: chemical filters (which absorb UV and convert it to heat) and mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, which physically scatter UV). Both can cause reactions in sensitised individuals, though mineral filters have lower overall allergenicity.
Relevance for Titanium Dioxide: The most allergenic chemical UV filters include oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octocrylene, and avobenzone. If you react to chemical sunscreens, switching to pure mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only) is usually the safest alternative.
How to Identify Titanium Dioxide in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Titanium Dioxide, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Sunscreen, Foundation, Powder. These product categories are the most common sources of Titanium Dioxide exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Titanium Dioxide? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Titanium Dioxide and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Titanium Dioxide safe for sensitive skin?
Titanium Dioxide is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain Titanium Dioxide?
Titanium Dioxide is commonly found in sunscreen, foundation, powder.
What does Titanium Dioxide do in cosmetics?
Titanium Dioxide functions as a uv_filter in formulations.
Related Guides
Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Mineral vs chemical UV filters — which are safest?
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Titanium Dioxide causing YOUR skin reactions?
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