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Another important application of titanium oxide is in the manufacturing of sunscreen and other skincare products. Titanium oxide is a key ingredient in many sunscreens because of its ability to block harmful UV rays. It is also used in skincare products to provide a smooth, matte finish and to help reduce redness and irritation.≥99.0
Although cosmetics are not meant for consumption, there are concerns that titanium dioxide in lipstick and toothpaste may be swallowed or absorbed through the skin.
China is one of the largest producers of titanium oxide in the world, and the industry plays a significant role in the country's economy. Titanium oxide, also known as titanium dioxide, is a naturally occurring oxide of titanium with the chemical formula TiO2. It is commonly used as a pigment in a wide range of products, including paints, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics.North America
Aside from its optical properties, TiO2 boasts excellent stability under various environmental conditions. It does not decompose when exposed to sunlight or react with other ingredients in formulations. This chemical inertness makes TiO2 a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor applications, where resistance to UV radiation and weathering is crucial This chemical inertness makes TiO2 a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor applications, where resistance to UV radiation and weathering is crucialThe FDA first approved the use of titanium dioxide in food in 1966, following its 1960 removal (along with the removal of other color additives) from the agency's original Generally Recognized as Safe list. In 1977, titanium dioxide joined the list of color additives that are exempt from certification, which means titanium dioxide doesn't have to be listed on the packaging of every product it's used in, Faber noted.
The US and Canada, however, approve the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive. Canada's recent review of titanium dioxide reconfirmed its safety and pointed out that many of the toxicity studies the EU reviewed were not relevant to the safety of titanium dioxide as a food ingredient, and that the ban is based on an abundance of caution and uncertainty.
In the application of lithopone in ink industry, lithopone has fine particles, loose structure, good fineness and good paint adhesion, so it can be well combined with other colors in the composition of ink.
Titanium dioxide is used in a wide range of food products and consumer goods – from candy to sunscreen and house paint. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains that the regulated use of titanium dioxide, specifically as a color additive in food, is safe under some restrictions.
Different dermal cell types have been reported to differ in their sensitivity to nano-sized TiO2 . Kiss et al. exposed human keratinocytes (HaCaT), human dermal fibroblast cells, sebaceous gland cells (SZ95) and primary human melanocytes to 9 nm-sized TiO2 particles at concentrations from 0.15 to 15 μg/cm2 for up to 4 days. The particles were detected in the cytoplasm and perinuclear region in fibroblasts and melanocytes, but not in kerati-nocytes or sebaceous cells. The uptake was associated with an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. A dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell proliferation was evident in all cell types, whereas in fibroblasts an increase in cell death via apoptosis has also been observed. Anatase TiO2 in 20–100 nm-sized form has been shown to be cytotoxic in mouse L929 fibroblasts. The decrease in cell viability was associated with an increase in the production of ROS and the depletion of glutathione. The particles were internalized and detected within lysosomes. In human keratinocytes exposed for 24 h to non-illuminated, 7 nm-sized anatase TiO2, a cluster analysis of the gene expression revealed that genes involved in the “inflammatory response” and “cell adhesion”, but not those involved in “oxidative stress” and “apoptosis”, were up-regulated. The results suggest that non-illuminated TiO2 particles have no significant impact on ROS-associated oxidative damage, but affect the cell-matrix adhesion in keratinocytes in extracellular matrix remodelling. In human keratinocytes, Kocbek et al. investigated the adverse effects of 25 nm-sized anatase TiO2 (5 and 10 μg/ml) after 3 months of exposure and found no changes in the cell growth and morphology, mitochondrial function and cell cycle distribution. The only change was a larger number of nanotubular intracellular connections in TiO2-exposed cells compared to non-exposed cells. Although the authors proposed that this change may indicate a cellular transformation, the significance of this finding is not clear. On the other hand, Dunford et al. studied the genotoxicity of UV-irradiated TiO2 extracted from sunscreen lotions, and reported severe damage to plasmid and nuclear DNA in human fibroblasts. Manitol (antioxidant) prevented DNA damage, implying that the genotoxicity was mediated by ROS.
The ingredient in question? Titanium dioxide.
In conclusion, anatase TiO2 quotes from leading factories are more than just numbers; they are a reflection of the industry's economic health, technological advancements, and environmental consciousness. They provide valuable information for stakeholders, from manufacturers to consumers, to make informed decisions. As the world continues to rely on this versatile material, the significance of these quotes will only grow, making them a critical aspect of the global TiO2 market. Looking ahead, the price of titanium dioxide per ton is expected to be influenced by several factors. Firstly, the ongoing expansion of the e-commerce industry is likely to drive demand for packaging materials that use titanium dioxide, such as plastics and paper. This could lead to increased demand and potentially higher prices. Secondly, the development of new technologies, such as solar energy and electric vehicles, may create new applications for titanium dioxide, further driving demand and prices. Finally, geopolitical tensions and trade policies could also impact the price of titanium dioxide per ton by affecting the availability and cost of raw materials and the competitiveness of global markets.They are the only two sunscreen ingredients classified by the FDA as safe and effective. And though titanium dioxide is usually used in mineral sunscreens in the form of nanoparticles, evidence suggests that few, if any, particles penetrate the skin.
How we’re exposed to an ingredient matters greatly in terms of our long-term health.
Research shows that inhaling titanium dioxide particles in significant quantities over time can cause adverse health outcomes. Unless you work in an industrial setting, inhaling substantial amounts of titanium dioxide is highly unlikely.
Variations of titanium dioxide are added to enhance the whiteness of paint, plastics, and paper products, though these variations differ from the food-grade ones for things we eat (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is also widely applied in paints and enamels
Studies have been carried out with both emulsion paints and powder paints, both with clear results on how the use of Lithopone 30% reduces the appearance of algae in the paint once it has been applied (see photos).
In beauty and personal care products, the ingredient is listed with its colour index (CI) number ‘CI 77891’. When nano grade titanium dioxide is used in our sunscreens, this is referenced as ‘titanium dioxide’ [nano] in the ingredients list.