Cosmetic properties of titanium dioxide, the main characteristic of the substance, the benefits and potential harm from the use of cosmetics with titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, food and many other products in various industries. It does not have a broad spectrum of activity, but it is quite useful in a number of manufacturing technologies. The cost and demand depend on the degree of purification. Also, this parameter determines the degree of security. Let us consider in more detail the main useful properties of this substance and the possible dangers associated with its use.
What is titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide has unique properties, which is why it is widely used.
Here is a brief description of this substance:
- How is it marked on labels, synonyms … Titanium Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide, Titanium White, Titanium Anhydrite, Titanium Oxide, Titanium Oxide, CI 77891, Titanium oxide, Titanic acid anhydride, Pigment white 6, micronized titanium dioxide.
- Basic properties … It has a high whitening ability, is easily combined with film-formers, is stable, has excellent hiding power.
- Receiving … It can be of natural origin - it is rutile, a mineral, the concentration of titanium dioxide in which is about 60%. Before use in any production, it must be thoroughly cleaned of impurities.
- Scope of Titanium Dioxide … Paint and varnish production, for the manufacture of rubber and plastics, laminated paper, glass (optical and heat-resistant), for the creation of refractory materials, artificial precious stones, ceramic dielectrics, as a photocatalyst in nanotechnology, in the food industry, in pharmaceuticals and for the manufacture of cosmetics.
- Hazard level … In accordance with the classification of hazardous substances, the dioxide has a IV hazard class, i.e. is low-risk. It is not toxic. It is characterized by inertia. Does not pose a danger to the skin.
- Permissible concentration … The described substance is safe if the concentration in the air does not exceed 10 mg / m3.
Cosmetic properties of titanium dioxide
The overwhelming majority of cosmetics - decorative, caring, and cleansing - contain titanium dioxide. But this does not mean at all that it effectively copes with many cosmetic problems and is very beneficial for the skin.
It is not an active ingredient due to its inertness. He is not able to change the characteristics of the skin. It does not possess moisturizing, stimulating, antioxidant properties. it does not penetrate the skin. However, there is still benefit from his presence. What - we will consider in more detail.
From a practical point of view, Titanium Dioxide is used in the production of products designed to give a special tone to the skin and to protect it from ultraviolet rays. In this context, it has several beneficial cosmetic properties:
- Acts as a dye … Titanium Dioxide is primarily used as a colorant. It perfectly whitens any component. The whitening properties of CI 77891 are actively used in the production of toning products - tonal creams, powder, eye shadow, blush. allow you to set the desired shade by mixing in different proportions with other dyes.
- Sun protection … Titanium dioxide crystals are able to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. This ability allows this substance to be classified as an SPF filter.
- Is an auxiliary substance … It is used as a thickener for mixtures, a filler, and gives the desired viscosity to the product. Titanium dioxide has also been credited with retaining moisture and masking some skin blemishes.
These properties are adopted by manufacturers. They position this ingredient as completely safe. CI 77891 is described as a hypoallergenic ingredient due to the fact that it does not interact with living cells and is not absorbed through the skin. It has even found application in baby creams.
If you can be sure of the safety of using products containing titanium dioxide - read on.
Titanium dioxide in cosmetics: harm or benefit?
Titanium dioxide is a substance approved for use not only in the cosmetic, but also in the food industry. This is a great obligation. The controversy surrounding this ingredient is ongoing. In some research centers, studies are being conducted to confirm or deny the safety of using this dye and SPF filter.
Consider several controversial and controversial options:
- Use as a dye … Yes, titanium dioxide significantly improves the consumer characteristics of products - it whitens the mixture, giving it a noble white color. However, in this context, we can talk about creating an attractive appearance of the product, because white color is always associated with cleanliness, safety. Therefore, this use case is important from a marketing point of view for the manufacturer, but in no way associated with practicality and usefulness for the consumer. Another thing is the use in decorative cosmetics to give a special shade. However, even here there are restrictions on the content, for example, up to 10% in foundation, up to 15% in powders.
- Antiperspirant use … Aerosol antiperspirants containing titanium dioxide are potentially hazardous to humans. This is due to the fact that a highly crushed substance is used in the production, and when aerosol is sprayed, the particles involuntarily enter the lungs through the respiratory tract. From where they can be carried by the bloodstream to all organs of the body. It is believed that titanium dioxide is easily excreted from the body unchanged. But recent studies show that titanium oxide nanoparticles, which are increasingly used by manufacturers of various product groups, penetrate cells and have a mechanical effect on DNA. These data appeared after experiments on rats. There are no reliable data on human exposure yet.
- Application as an SPF filter … The first titanium dioxide sunscreens left a white mark on the skin after application. The manufacturers solved this problem as follows - they began to use nanoparticles of this substance. Indeed, the cream has become more transparent, so it stopped leaving marks on the skin. But this led to the fact that the filtering ability of the agent changed. When ground to nanoparticles at the same specific gravity, Titanium oxide acquires a large surface area and can become a photocatalyst that will enhance the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.
- Use in products for external use … Separately, it should be said that titanium dioxide has the ability to clog pores and lead to acne. To avoid this, it is worth paying special attention to thoroughly cleaning the skin after using cosmetics containing this component.
While titanium dioxide is widely used in many industries and is positioned as an absolutely safe ingredient, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC or IARC) recognizes this ingredient as potentially carcinogenic if overly micronized particles are inhaled. The head of the research, Professor of Pathology and Radiation Oncology, Robert Shistle, describes the process of negative impact as oxidative stress, which can cause damage and breaks in DNA strands, provoke the development of chromosome defects. This, in turn, leads to the development of pathologies, such as cancer.
Thus, the use of titanium dioxide can be unsafe in the context of physicochemical reactions, provided it is used in the size of nanoparticles. Consumers should carefully study the composition in order to minimize the risks of developing negative reactions.
What is the harm of titanium dioxide in cosmetics
Based on the research results obtained, it can be concluded that not every cosmetic product containing titanium dioxide can be safe. It will not be possible to completely abandon such products in a short time, because the use of this ingredient has become a part of production technology. In anticipation of new research results, it is worth remembering precautions for certain categories of people - people with sensitive skin and children.
The harm of titanium dioxide for problem skin owners
Problem skin is most susceptible to the negative influence of various factors, therefore, the most gentle cosmetics should be used to care for it. The harm of using titanium dioxide in cosmetics for problem skin manifests itself more often than on a normal type.
Despite its chemical neutrality towards the dermis and any ingredients of cosmetics and detergents, titanium dioxide can create a sticky film on the skin, which not only retains moisture, but can also cause acne and irritation, especially on oily skin prone to to such defects.
In the case of normal skin, there is no increased secretion of sebum, sweat, so these impurities will not cause problems.
In any case, it is necessary to choose high-quality makeup removers. Remains of titanium dioxide can accumulate in the skin pores and provoke new irritations.
Is titanium dioxide harmful in cosmetics for children?
As stated earlier, Titanium Oxide is widely used, even in products for children. The popularity of children's cosmetics is growing now. This substance is used in powders, creams, children's decorative cosmetics, toothpastes, soaps, etc.
Coordinates for communication with the manufacturer are indicated on the label of each product. Before buying, it is best to make sure that nanoparticles are not used in a particular product, because they carry the greatest danger. The ingress of microparticles of this substance into the body is fraught with a change in DNA, a deterioration in immunity and the unpredictable development of chronic diseases. In the case of a child's fragile body, the danger increases several times.
It is noteworthy that theoretically, the risk of getting nanoparticles from cosmetics inside the body is quite small. Therefore, a complete rejection of the use of such products is not required. In this case, parents must teach children how to use it correctly and not allow it to be misused.
If you need to use sunscreen, it is better to choose one that leaves a white mark - this indicates that titanium dioxide is used in the form of a coarse-grained powder and will be safer.
What is titanium dioxide in cosmetics - watch the video:
Poorly purified titanium dioxide is a potential hazard. In this case, impurities can cause irreparable harm to the body. Unfortunately, it is rather difficult for the consumer to check this, so it remains to rely on the manufacturers' honesty. At the moment, titanium dioxide is approved for use in certain concentrations. But in the coming months, the situation may change, because the debate about his safety does not subside.
