Makeup Without Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891): Pros, Cons, and Quick Info

Unveiling the Truth About Titanium Dioxide in Cosmetics

Titanium dioxide (CI 77891) is a remarkable ingredient with a myriad of applications. It’s found in paints, sunscreens, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, paper, and even food. But what exactly is titanium dioxide, and why is it so prevalent in cosmetics? Let’s delve into this multi-faceted ingredient and explore the pros and cons associated with its use in makeup.

What is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that has been harnessed for its unique properties. In its pure form, it is a white, opaque powder used primarily as a pigment. Its ability to provide bright whiteness and opacity makes it invaluable in various products, from household paints to beauty products.

Despite its natural origins, titanium dioxide can be tainted with potentially harmful contaminants like lead and iron. However, it’s reassuring to know that for cosmetic and sunscreen applications, titanium dioxide is subjected to rigorous purification processes. This ensures that the ingredient is free from these contaminants, though it’s worth noting that some individuals report sensitivity or allergic reactions to it.

Titanium Dioxide in Cosmetics: The Good and the Bad

Titanium dioxide is widely used in cosmetics for its impressive benefits, but it’s not without its controversies. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about whether or not to use products containing this ingredient.

The Benefits:

1. High Coverage Power: Titanium dioxide is celebrated for its ability to provide excellent coverage. It helps to create a smooth, flawless appearance by concealing imperfections and evening out skin tone. This makes it a popular choice in foundations, concealers, and other makeup products.

2. UV Protection: One of the significant advantages of titanium dioxide is its natural ability to provide UV protection. It acts as a physical sunscreen, reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. This makes it an appealing option for those looking to protect their skin from the sun's harmful effects.

The Drawbacks:

1. Potential for Irritation: While titanium dioxide is beneficial for many, it can cause irritation in individuals with very sensitive skin. Some Omiana customers who have transitioned from other brands have reported experiencing this sensitivity. It’s crucial to be aware of your skin’s reactions and choose products that suit your needs.

2. Nanoparticle Concerns: In the U.S., makeup companies are not required to disclose whether their titanium dioxide is in nanoparticle form. Nanoparticles are tiny particles that can make sunscreens appear transparent on the skin. However, there is ongoing research into the safety of nanoparticles and their potential cumulative effects on health. This has led to concerns about long-term exposure to these particles.

Is Titanium Dioxide Safe in Lipstick?

When it comes to lipsticks, titanium dioxide is commonly used to achieve opacity and enhance the product’s texture. But this raises the question: Is titanium dioxide safe in lipstick? The answer isn’t straightforward. While titanium dioxide is generally considered safe when properly purified, its safety can vary based on particle size and formulation.

For those concerned about the safety of titanium dioxide in their lipstick, it’s important to note that cosmetic-grade titanium dioxide undergoes stringent purification to minimize contaminants. However, because some people may experience irritation or have concerns about nanoparticles, many prefer to opt for titanium dioxide-free alternatives.

The Controversy Over Nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide in cosmetics is often micronized, which means it is processed into very fine particles. This micronization helps the ingredient glide smoothly onto the skin and provides better coverage. However, the debate over nanoparticles—particles even smaller than micronized ones—has gained traction in recent years.

Why the Concern?

The primary concern with nanoparticles is their potential cumulative effect. Since these particles are so small, they can penetrate deeper into the skin and possibly enter the bloodstream. While current research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that long-term exposure to nanoparticles might pose health risks.

At Omiana, we take these concerns seriously. We avoid using nanoparticles or micronized ingredients in our products. Instead, we use cosmetic-grade particle sizes or high-micron minerals to ensure that our products are both effective and safe.

Isn't Titanium dioxide-free makeup one of Omiana's specialties? 

Our customers often come to us with very specific ingredient requirements because we omit harsh and toxic ingredients popular to other mineral makeup lines. We offer a variety of ingredient options with various makeup ingredients taken out, so you can choose the best product for your skin and needs. For example, if you prefer makeup without mica, we have it. We also have makeup without titanium dioxide, although we understand some do want titanium dioxide for SPF and coverage. Needing zinc oxide-free? That's even an omission option at Omiana. Many of our customers are sensitive to soy and wheat, common sources of naturally derived vitamin E; for this reason, while we use naturally derived vitamin E in plenty of products, we do also use tocopheryl acetate.

Every formula cannot be for everyone, as much subjectivity and varying preferences come into play. We aim to offer the purest array of formulas for the most sensitive skin and ingredient-discerning people.

Using the sidebar filter to narrow down collections so they contain the ingredients you prefer is a simple way to shop on Omiana. Also, we fully disclose all ingredients on each product page and the ingredients page. 

You've preference, Omiana has you safely covered.

Omiana fans often prefer to avoid ingredients with any concern, but every component, even the most popular or preferred or supposed-safe, comes with pros and cons.

Making the Right Choice for Your Skin

Shopping for makeup can be overwhelming with so many ingredient considerations. At Omiana, we strive to make it easier for you by providing detailed ingredient information on each product page. You can use our sidebar filter to narrow down options based on the ingredients you prefer or wish to avoid.

Your Preferences, Our Priority

Whether you favor non-nanosized titanium dioxide for its SPF and coverage benefits or prefer to steer clear of it for peace of mind, Omiana has you covered. We offer both options to accommodate varying preferences and sensitivities.

What’s your take on titanium dioxide in cosmetics? Do you find its benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks, or do you prefer products that are free from this ingredient? At Omiana, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your skin and needs.

What exactly is titanium dioxide, and why is it used in cosmetics?

Titanium dioxide (CI 77891) lends pigment in paints, cosmetics, sunscreens, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, paper, and food. Although titanium dioxide is a natural ingredient, titanium dioxide risks being tainted with potentially harmful contaminants such as lead and iron. Therefore, in this ingredient's case, it is good news that it is purified via laboratory processes for cosmetics and sunscreens. Some people, however, report being sensitive or allergic to titanium dioxide.

Titanium Dioxide-Free Makeup vs. Titanium Dioxide in Cosmetics.

Titanium dioxide has a slew of benefits when used in makeup, but depending on particle size, it can have has some question marks associated with it, too.

Pros and Cons: 

• A benefit: High coverage power.

• A con: Titanium dioxide can irritate very sensitive skin; Omiana customers switching from other brands can largely attest.

• Another benefit: Titanium dioxide in makeup provides some UV protection.

• A big con: Makeup companies in the US currently don't have to disclose if their particles, such as titanium dioxide, are nanoparticle or micronized. Did you know that titanium dioxide must be supplied in nanoparticle form to render a sunscreen reasonably transparent on the skin? Woah!

More on nanoparticles and particle size as it relates to titanium dioxide.

Titanium dioxide is typically micronized—made into tiny particle size—and coated. The refining of this ingredient's size makes it easier to glide on and cover skin. However, much research has surfaced over the years about concern over nanoparticles and even micronized particles—those itty bitty particle sizes that we commonly find in makeup. Perhaps one of the most frightening things about nanoparticles is the cumulative effect of being exposed to them. Like any bad habit or ingredient, the over-time buildup increases one's exposure to the risks associated with nanos.

Does Omiana use nanoparticles or micronized ingredients?

No. All minerals and pigments Omiana uses are cosmetic-grade particle size or even high-micron.

Isn't Titanium dioxide-free makeup one of Omiana's specialties? 

Our customers often come to us with very specific ingredient requirements because we omit harsh and toxic ingredients popular to other mineral makeup lines. We offer a variety of ingredient options with various makeup ingredients taken out, so you can choose the best product for your skin and needs. For example, if you prefer makeup without mica, we have it. We also have makeup without titanium dioxide, although we understand some do want titanium dioxide for SPF and coverage. Needing zinc oxide-free? That's even an omission option at Omiana. Many of our customers are sensitive to soy and wheat, common sources of naturally derived vitamin E; for this reason, while we use naturally derived vitamin E in plenty of products, we do also use tocopheryl acetate.

Every formula cannot be for everyone, as much subjectivity and varying preferences come into play. We aim to offer the purest array of formulas for the most sensitive skin and ingredient-discerning people.

Using the sidebar filter to narrow down collections so they contain the ingredients you prefer is a simple way to shop on Omiana. Also, we fully disclose all ingredients on each product page and the ingredients page. 

You've preference, Omiana has you safely covered.

Omiana fans often prefer to avoid ingredients with any concern, but every component, even the most popular or preferred or supposed-safe, comes with pros and cons.

We have both options for you!

What is your take on titanium dioxide?

Do you prefer non-nanosized titanium dioxide makeup for its SPF, coverage, and consistency effects, or do you prefer makeup without titanium dioxide?