Content
Titanium dioxide in cosmetics is considered one of the common additives. The component has a narrow spectrum of action, but it has proven itself well in production technology. The component price will directly depend on the degree of purification. The higher it is, the more expensive the substance is, but the quality will be superior to the cheap ingredients.
How titanium dioxide is indicated in cosmetology
Titanium dioxide belongs to the titanium industry. In products, it acts as a dye, a stabilizer of consistency. Shows whitening properties.
In production, the component is also called titanium dioxide. On the packaging of cosmetics, the substance can be labeled in different ways: TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICRONIZED TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICROTIO2, NANO TIO2, NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77891.
If we talk about the external characteristics of the component, then it is released in the form of a powdery or crystalline mass. Differs in a whitish shade. Turns yellow when heated. It is odorless and tasteless. Not compatible with water.
What is titanium dioxide used for in cosmetics
Most decorative, care and cleaning products contain titanium dioxide. It acts as an additional component and is not active due to inertia. The ingredient does not correct skin problems or alter the characteristics of the skin.
The substance does not have a moisturizing, stimulating and antioxidant effect, since it does not penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. But there are still benefits of titanium dioxide for the skin.
Typically, this component is added to cosmetics to give the face and body a pleasant tint. It also protects against the harmful effects of sunlight.
It is used as a dye. The additive whitens any substance well, therefore it is often present in the composition of tonal creams, powder, blush. Titanium dioxide allows you to create the desired shade when combined with other types of dyes.
Titanium dioxide helps to thicken mixtures better. It makes the mass more viscous. Manufacturers claim that this component retains moisture and helps to mask some skin imperfections.
Benefits and harms of titanium dioxide
There is still debate about the dangers and benefits of titanium dioxide. It will not be possible to completely exclude this component from life, since it is included in many cosmetics. The substance is considered safe, therefore it is not prohibited in Russia and other countries.
Titanium dioxide significantly improves product performance. It whitens mixtures, thereby giving them a snow-white shade. The component is added to the composition of foundation and powder to give a special shade. Usually their content does not exceed 10-15%.
Despite these benefits, there is also harm from titanium dioxide. When applied to the skin, it clogs the pores, leading to acne. To avoid this, you need to take care of thoroughly cleaning the skin.
An auxiliary component is also added to the composition of antiperspirants. Aerosols with its content are dangerous to the body. The thing is that the substance is in the mixture in a crushed state. Particles during nebulization enter the respiratory tract and then into the lungs. Overuse of aerosolized antiperspirants can lead to negative effects on DNA and cell health.
The additive can also be found in sunscreens. The first formulations left a white mark after application to the skin. To get rid of this problem, manufacturers began to use nanoparticles. This gave the cream a transparent texture. But the filtering ability of the cosmetic has deteriorated. Now the mixture has become a photocatalyst, so in some cases it can increase the damaging effect of ultraviolet rays.
Doctors say that titanium dioxide is dangerous to human health. They have done a lot of research, especially with those people who suffer from pancreatic disease. It was possible to find out that many single crystals of titanium dioxide were found in the tissues of the organ in patients. Perhaps this was the reason for the development of diabetes mellitus.
Although the additive is recognized as hypoallergenic, cosmetics can lead to the development of allergic reactions. Therefore, it is forbidden to apply sunscreens to the skin until 1 year.
Often, adverse symptoms when using titanium dioxide occur in people suffering from bronchial asthma.
The doctors were concerned about the experiment carried out on rats. Studies have shown that nanoparticles are bad for the genetic level. They wander throughout the body, but they do not accumulate in one place.
It was also noticed that when the particles entered the cells, a violation of their functionality was observed. This led to inflammation.
The use of titanium dioxide in cosmetics
A high content of the additive was found in decorative and care products. The thing is that the substance has coloring properties. It is added to foundation, powder, blush, concealers. The auxiliary component combines well with other dyes.
Is in the composition of sunscreens, which increases SPF protection. It protects the skin from harmful effects, but to a moderate extent.
The additive improves the consistency of the composition, therefore it is a good thickener.
Titanium dioxide in face cream
Titanium dioxide is recognized as a hypoallergenic component. In adults, the supplement rarely causes allergic reactions. Therefore, it is often present in the composition of face creams.
The auxiliary component gives the cosmetic product a snow-white color and a viscous structure. The creams do not spread when applied. Moisture is retained inside the skin, which prevents drying out.
Titanium dioxide in lipstick
The additive is in the composition of lipsticks and lip gloss. This allows the make-up to maintain its viscosity. They are evenly applied to the lip area, do not spread. Titanium dioxide is not only a thickener. It allows the dyes to blend well with each other. Thanks to nanoparticles, pigments look brighter and retain their color for a long time.
Titanium dioxide in foundation
Almost every woman has used tonal means at least once in her life. And this is not without reason, because they help hide some flaws and give the face a healthy and well-groomed look. They adapt to skin color thanks to the presence of titanium dioxide in the composition.
But if cosmetics are not removed from the face, it will lead to clogged pores and acne.
Is titanium dioxide harmful in powder
Powders of different shades also contain an additive. Only a powder is added to the composition of such cosmetics, which consists of nanoparticles. Thanks to this, the powder lays down evenly, but at the same time it does not clog the pores.
Manufacturers claim that titanium dioxide is completely harmless when applied to the skin. But doctors say that small particles, on the contrary, are more dangerous. This is because the nanoparticles enter the respiratory tract and then into the lungs. Although they do not settle on the surface of tissues, they begin to migrate throughout the body, mechanically affecting the DNA of the cells.
Titanium dioxide in sunscreen
Most often, an excipient is added to sunscreens. The more it is in the composition, the higher the SPF protection. Titanium dioxide imparts transparency to the consistency. The cream is applied evenly without leaving white marks on the skin.
Excessive use of sunscreens can backfire. When used in large quantities, the auxiliary component begins to act as a photocatalyst. Then the skin under the influence of sunlight begins to burn faster. Therefore, the choice of a cosmetic product must be approached with caution, studying the composition.
Cosmetology advice
Titanium dioxide can be found in both synthetic and natural cosmetics. The additive thickens the composition well, makes the consistency viscous. When cosmetics are applied to the skin, moisture is retained on the surface. But the opposite effect can also work. Benefit can turn into harm. Creams clog pores, especially when applied in thick layers. Against this background, rashes of a different nature appear.
Cosmetologists say that in order to prevent the development of adverse processes, you need to remove makeup and thoroughly cleanse your skin every time. Periodically, the face should be wiped with water or herbal infusions.
Aerosol antiperspirants are best replaced with roll-ons. When sprayed, a person inhales nanoparticles, as a result of which they enter the lungs, and then into other organs.
Conclusion
Titanium dioxide in cosmetics acts only as an auxiliary component. Therefore, its content in the means is not as great as it seems at first glance. No cosmetic product can do without this additive. It improves the texture of lipsticks, sunscreens and foundations. But excessive use of funds can adversely affect the body. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying the composition before use.
