Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide (CAS 13463-67-7), also known as titania and TiO2, is an inorganic white pigment used in coatings, plastics, cosmetics and food manufacturing.

Where is Titanium dioxide used?

• Coatings: primary opacity-building pigment determining hiding power and tint strength in paints and primers
• Plastics: whiteness and UV resistance in films, packaging and molded components
• Personal care: physical UV blocking and skin-tone coverage in sunscreens, foundations and pressed powders
• Food: E171 grade whitens confectionery coatings, chewing gum and tablet coatings.
• Construction materials (glass, concrete, bitumen, ceramics): photocatalytic properties such as air purification and self-cleaning.
• Nano titanium dioxide is additionally coated with a silicon-based surfactant to ensure dispersion in the final product.

Good to know: Two principal crystal forms, rutile and anatase, suit different performance requirements; rutile dominates coatings and plastics. Standard grades include food-grade, cosmetic-grade and technical-grade.

Formulation notes

• Sunscreen products typically contain between 2% and 10% titanium dioxide.

Typical specification

• Fine titanium dioxide consists of primary particles with diameter typically between 0.1 and 0.4 µm and BET specific surface area of about 5-15 m²/g.
• Particles are rarely individual; they form agglomerates and aggregates with size between 0.1 and dozens of micrometers.
• Ultra-fine titanium dioxide is usually sold in modified forms after surface treatment.
• Nano titanium dioxide is used mainly in rutile form or a mixture of anatase and rutile.

Regulatory status

• Authorized as a colorant and UV filter in cosmetics under EU Regulation No. 1223/2009, Annexes III and VI.
• Nano form is approved in cosmetics as a UV filter with a maximum concentration of 25%.
• The 14th ATP to CLP (Regulation (EU) 2020/217) introduced EUH211 and EUH212 supplementary hazard statements for certain mixtures.

Frequently asked questions about Titanium dioxide

What is the current regulatory status of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in the EU?

Titanium dioxide (E171) is banned as a food additive in the European Union since 2022 (Regulation (EU) 2022/63).

What is the current status of the harmonized CLP classification of titanium dioxide as Carc. 2 H351?

The EU Court of Justice confirmed on 1 August 2025 the annulment of the harmonized classification of titanium dioxide as carcinogen category 2.

How should safety data sheets be updated regarding the CLP classification?

Safety data sheets must be updated to remove the reference to Annex VI CLP if the classification was solely based on the former harmonized entry.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.