Titanium Dioxide in Cosmetics: Where Do We Stand?

The issue with TiO2 in cosmetic formulas is primarily related to its inhalation , which leads to exposure of the lungs. In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified titanium dioxide in the group of substances "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) when inhaled, regardless of particle size (nano or not). This warning followed a study showing an increase in the number of lung cancers in animals after exposure to white titanium dioxide powder. However, it should be noted that this risk is associated with the inhalation of large quantities of titanium dioxide powder, particularly in the workplace. The concentrations used in cosmetics are much lower and TiO2 is not harmful to health, except perhaps when formulated in aerosols. In 2016, ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) submitted a proposal to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) to classify titanium dioxide as a carcinogenic substance by inhalation (re-evaluation in category 1B).

Do nanoparticles penetrate the skin barrier? On this matter, studies contradict each other. A 2015 study showed that skin damaged by sunburn or atopic skin allows TiO2 nanoparticles to penetrate more easily, as the skin barrier protecting the body from the environment is weakened. The nanoparticles can then accumulate in the dermis and be more or less toxic. This same study defines the skin penetration of nanoparticles (NPs) as follows:

• NPs ⩽ 4 nm can penetrate and permeate intact skin;

• Nanoparticles ranging in size from 4 to 20 nm can potentially permeate both intact and damaged skin;

• Nanoparticles ranging in size from 21 to 45 nm can penetrate and permeate only damaged skin;

• NPs larger than 45 nm are in no way able to penetrate the skin barrier.

Conversely, studies conducted under the European research program NANODERM have shown that nano TiO2 and zinc oxide do not penetrate the skin barrier, even in cases of superficial skin damage.

Today, ongoing research is being conducted regarding their potential harmful effects on the brain and their ability to form harmful oxidants for the skin under the effect of the sun's UV rays.

Thus, TiO2 primarily raises questions when it is inhaled and/or used in the form of nanoparticles.

Currently, in the absence of substitutes, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the only UV filters authorized in organic products, even in nanometric size. The SCCS (European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) approved the use of titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form in sunscreens as early as 2014, in concentrations less than 25%. However, this nanoparticle compound is prohibited in spray products. The EC regulation 2016/1143 of July 2016 has allowed the use of Titanium Dioxide in this form in cosmetics.

Nevertheless,in this context, the European Cosmetic Regulation n°1223/2009 has introduced a framework for nanomaterials, requiring manufacturers to be transparent.

Since July 11, 2013, when a nanomaterial is used in a cosmetic product, the packaging of this product includes in the list of ingredients thenotation [nano] following the name of the ingredient.

Thus, the consumer is free to choose whether or not to use a cosmetic containing nanoparticles. Another innovation introduced by the Regulation: all raw materials in the form of nanoparticles must be reported six months before the market launch of formulas containing them to the European Commission.

Note: In conventional cosmetics, TiO2 nanoparticles are permitted in all products.In organic cosmetics, nanoparticles are only allowed in sun care products.

Research on the ecotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles is relatively scarce compared to other nanomaterials, but initial findings urge caution, particularly due to their harmful impact on phytoplankton, an organism at the base of the marine food chain. They could also be partly responsible for coral bleaching.