Titanium dioxide (TiO₂). Titanium dioxide is the most common white pigment used today. As a pigment, titanium dioxide is unique because it combines both high colouring and high opacifying capacity. This is mainly due to its high refractive index (2.7). Furthermore, titanium dioxide is an excellent UV absorber (it is used in sun protective creams). Some typical properties are: density 3.3-4.25 g/cm³; pH of water suspension 3.5-10.5; particle size 8–300 nm; oil absorption 10–45 g/100 g; specific surface area 7–160 m²/g. Most titanium dioxide is produced from the rutile (TiO₂) or ilmenite (titanate of ferrous iron). Titanium dioxide can be obtained using different processes.

In addition to its pharmaceutical applications, barium sulphate is extensively utilized in the production of paints and coatings, where a bright white pigment is essential. The opacity and brightness provided by barium sulphate make it a popular choice in formulations for white and colored paints. Its non-toxic nature and excellent stability enhance its appeal in these products.

About Titanium Dioxide. Titanium Dioxide, a white crystalline powder, represents the natural oxide of titanium, with its primary occurrence observed specifically in rutile ores. This titanium compound holds remarkable significance in various technological realms, functioning as a commodity chemical extensively harnessed across diverse industries. In actuality, a substantial majority of titanium ores undergo processing procedures to yield Titanium Dioxide, consequently establishing its unrivaled status as the most extensively utilized titanium-based substance on a global scale.

Titanium dioxide has many purposes in both food and product development.

Titanium dioxide is a mineral that’s used as a white coloring in a variety of products, including sunscreens, cosmetics, paints, and plastics. The pigment grade is also known as titanium white, pigment white 6, or CI 77891; it's the whitest and brightest of all known pigments.

Since then, there has been a few animal studies suggesting titanium dioxide is connected to cancer. A 2017 study in Scientific Reports, for instance, found that rats with titanium dioxide in their diet had impaired immune systems, which could contribute to autoimmune diseases and colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

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).

Let’s break the risk down further.