Titanium Dioxide (E171, CI 77891)
Titanium dioxide is used as a mineral filter that reflects UV rays in sunscreens and as a white pigment in make-up; applied to the skin as a cream, it is considered low risk. In food it was used as a whitener under the code E171; because EFSA could not rule out a genotoxicity (DNA damage) concern, it has been banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
For products applied to the skin, such as creams and lotions, the range is 1.5–3.0, because absorption through intact skin is next to nothing. For inhalable forms such as spray sun products and loose powders, the 4.5–6.0 range applies; the main concern is fine dust reaching the lungs.
When eaten as E171, EFSA could not rule out the possibility of genotoxicity and could not set a safe daily intake; for this reason it has been banned as a food additive in the EU, and the range is 7.0–8.0.
What is titanium dioxide and what does it do?
Titanium dioxide is the purified form of a titanium mineral that also occurs in nature. Because of its very bright white colour and its ability to scatter light strongly, it is used in many fields, from paint to cosmetics.
In sunscreens, as a physical (mineral) filter, it reflects and scatters UVB and short-wave UVA rays. The white pigment that appears on make-up labels under the code CI 77891 is the same substance.
Which products contain it?
- Mineral sunscreens and baby sunscreens
- Foundation, powder, concealer, eyeshadow (CI 77891)
- Some toothpastes and soaps (as a whitening pigment)
- Some sweets, chewing gum, cake decorations and sauces made outside the EU (E171)
- The coatings of some medicine tablets
On food labels it is listed as E171 or titanium dioxide, and on cosmetic labels as Titanium Dioxide or CI 77891. If it is used in nano form, EU rules require the word (nano) after its name.
Why was it banned in food?
When EFSA re-evaluated E171, it announced that, on the basis of the available data, it could not rule out the possibility of genotoxicity (damage to genetic material). As a safe daily intake could therefore not be set, E171 is no longer considered safe as a food additive.
Following this assessment, the European Union banned the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive in 2022. Türkiye, in line with EU alignment, has also banned the use of titanium dioxide in food through the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives; the ban has applied since 2024. E171 is still permitted in some countries, so it is worth checking the label on imported sweets and decorations.
How safe is it in cosmetics?
In creams applied to intact skin, titanium dioxide does not penetrate the skin barrier to any significant extent, even in nano form. The EU's scientific committee, the SCCS, has found it safe as a UV filter in such products up to a certain maximum. Because it is a mineral filter, it is very unlikely to cause allergy, which is why it is often chosen for sensitive skin and baby products.
The situation is different with inhalable products. Based on animal studies involving inhalation of large amounts of dust, the IARC has classified titanium dioxide in Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans; limited evidence). The EU also does not permit nano titanium dioxide in spray applications that could lead to inhalation. With loose powders, too, fine dust can be inhaled.
What to do when you see it on a label
- Sunscreen creams: Titanium dioxide is a good choice, especially for sensitive skin and children.
- Sprays and powders: Spraying into your palm and applying it rather than spraying directly onto your face, and applying powder gently with a brush, reduce the amount inhaled.
- Food: Instead of products containing E171, you can choose alternatives without colouring or made with other whiteners.
If you are looking for a similar mineral filter, zinc oxide is also a low-risk option in cream form.
Frequently asked questions
Is sunscreen with titanium dioxide harmful?
When applied to intact skin as a cream or lotion, it is considered low risk. The forms to be careful with are inhalable sprays and powders.
Is E171 banned in Türkiye?
Yes. The Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives, in line with the EU, has banned the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive; the ban has applied since 2024. For the latest details, you can follow announcements from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Are CI 77891 and E171 the same thing?
Yes, both are titanium dioxide. CI 77891 is the pigment code in cosmetics, while E171 is the food additive code.
Is nano titanium dioxide dangerous?
In creams applied to intact skin, the EU has found it safe under certain conditions. Its use in inhalable spray applications is not permitted.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.