Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form)
Also known as: nano titanium dioxide, nano TiO2, CI 77891 (nano), ultrafine titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form (<100nm) used in sunscreens to eliminate the white cast of traditional mineral sunscreens. While non-nano titanium dioxide is considered safe, the nanoparticle form raises concerns about cellular penetration, inhalation risks, and potential DNA damage.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form).
Low risk from occasional cream or lotion sunscreen use.
Daily use in cream form on intact skin is generally considered safe. Avoid spray and powder forms.
Moderate concern for inhalation exposure from sprays. Stick to cream-based mineral sunscreens.
Health Risks
Nanoparticles can generate reactive oxygen species (free radicals) when exposed to UV light, potentially causing DNA damage.
Toxicology Letters, 2009 — nano-TiO2 genotoxicity in human cell lines
Inhalation of nano-TiO2 particles (from spray or powder sunscreens) classified as possibly carcinogenic.
IARC Monographs Volume 93 — Titanium dioxide, Group 2B (when inhaled)
May penetrate damaged or compromised skin, unlike non-nano particles that sit on the surface.
Global Regulatory Status
How titanium dioxide (nanoparticle form) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 25% as OTC sunscreen; FDA guidance on nanotechnology but no specific nano restrictions.
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Max 25% as UV filter in nano form; must label '(nano)'; banned in spray/powder for inhalation risk.
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Max 25% in nano form; must label '(nano)', mirroring EU.
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Permitted with nanomaterial-specific assessment.
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Nanomaterials subject to safety evaluation by MHLW.
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Nano cosmetics require separate safety assessment and labeling.
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TGA considers nano TiO2 safe topically but not for inhalation.
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Nano ingredients subject to additional safety assessment per 2021 regulations.
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ANVISA requires safety assessment for nanomaterials.
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Permitted with concentration limits.
Details
Max 25%; nano form requires labeling, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form)
Nanoparticle size eliminates the visible white cast that makes traditional mineral sunscreens cosmetically unappealing, while maintaining UV-filtering effectiveness.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose titanium dioxide (nanoparticle form) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like non-nano zinc oxide, non-nano titanium dioxide, iron oxides (supplementary UV protection) deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form) in Product Categories
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz products contain no nano titanium dioxide or nanoparticle ingredients. Our lip balms use only organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E — no UV filters of any kind.
