Titanium Dioxide: A Carcinogen

Photo Credit: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

This article is directed to individuals who are concerned about toxins in cosmetics, and question the use of Titanium
Dioxide in Pure Anada formulations.  Pure Anada's purpose is to offer a safe and healthy alternative to traditional cosmetics.  In an industry that is not thoroughly regulated, it's the responsibility of each manufacturer to research and carefully select the list of ingredients to be used in their products.  Then, it is up to the consumer to set their own personal standard for which ingredients they feel comfortable applying to their skin.  We hope the following information helps to alleviate any concerns and answers any questions you may have about Titanium Dioxide in our products. 

Titanium dioxide has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen ''possibly carcinogen to humans''. 

This has instilled fear into the minds of consumers who wish to use clean, safe ingredients in their cosmetics.  As a beauty brand, we occasionally receive inquiries regarding the safety of TD in our formulations.  It is our goal to study the data diligently before eliminating ingredients without concrete evidence of toxicity.   

A summary of the data/research from the IARC can be found here on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety website.  We recommend that consumers read this article, along with our explanation below, before they fall prey to unnecessary fear mongering by media sources. The actual monograph from the IARC can be found at this LINK.  

The three main routes of exposure:  

1) Inhalation 

The primary “possible carcinogen” warning is for people involved in the manufacturing  of Titanium Dioxide where inhalation would be a concern.   This would include cosmetic companies (such as ourselves) who work with the raw ingredient.  It is important for us to blend our powders in a ventilated area, and wear proper masks to filter the fine dust that is created in our process.  Keep in mind that the dust generated during manufacturing, is far greater than the airborne particles that occur when applying powder makeup for personal use.  

Here is a quote from the IARC monograph (section 5:4): 

Respiratory effects that have been observed among groups of titanium dioxide-exposed workers include a decline in lung function, pleural disease with plaques and pleural thickening, and mild fibrotic changes.  However the workers in these studies were also exposed to asbestos and/or silica.  

We believe that safe, and good manufacturing practices are important when working with ANY fine powders; titanium dioxide included.   

2) Ingestion 

Specific grades of Titanium Dioxide (including the variety used in our products) are approved for use in food here in Canada and the USA.    

A quote from the IARC monograph (section 5:4) 

A single clinical study of oral ingestion of fine titanium dioxide showed particle size-dependent absorption by the gastrointestinal tract and large interindividual variations in blood levels of titanium dioxde. 

The above quote indicates that absorption of titanium dioxide is dependant on particle size. Nano-sized particles are concerning because they so small. It's speculated they may possibly travel through the skin and enter into the blood stream. Nano-sized particles are less than 0.1 microns (100 nanometers). There has been no research done to determine the effects of these tiny particles in (or on) our body.  For this reason, Pure Anada has never used nano-sized particles in our pigment blends.  

The particle size of the TD used in Pure Anada products is 3-4 microns. We do not want the particle to be any smaller, because we would lose the coverage that we can achieve at this larger size. As the particles get smaller, the coverage is less, meaning it is more translucent. That is why the nano-sized particles are used in cream-based sunscreens. People typically want their sunscreen lotions to be translucent so they don't end up with the characteristic white streaks that come with safer SPF products. 

In May of 2022, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) banned Titanium Dioxide from food because it couldn't be ruled out that it may cause DNA or chromosomal damage in humans. This was based on concerns over ingesting nano-sized particles. So rather than banning the ingredient based on particle size, they banned it all together.  We feel this is an acceptable policy as it pertains to food - typically processed food. However, we don't feel this is cause for concern in our cosmetic products which aren't ingested, and furthermore don't even contain nano-sized particles. 

 

3) Dermal Contact 

This exposure is most applicable to cosmetic use.  As mentioned in the point above, we believe the particle size would have a significant bearing on the absorption of Titanium Dioxide.  

From the IARC Monograph  

Studies on the application of sunscreens containing ultrafine Titanium Dioxide to the healthy skin of human volunteers revealed that titanium dioxide particles only penetrate into the outermost layers of the stratum corneum, suggesting that healthy skin is an effective barrier to titanium dioxide.  No studies on the penetration of titanium dioxide in compromised skin were available. 

So the IARC (who classified Titanium Dioxide as a possible human carcinogen) declares through evidential studies, that even ultrafine titanium dioxide does not penetrate into the blood stream.  Thus, stating that dermal application isn’t a factor in the carcinogenic classification.  This concludes that there is no grounds to fear titanium dioxide in cosmetic preparations at all! 

What purpose does Titanium Dioxide have in Pure Anada formulations? 

Since it’s a controversial ingredient (due to lack of  consumer education), can't we simply eliminate it from the formula?  Unfortunately, it's not that easy if you are looking to use makeup for the purpose of "coverage". Titanium Dioxide provides the coverage that women are looking for.  Without it, the formulation (weather it be a powder or a liquid) is very sheer.   

Another benefit is the natural sun protection that Titanium Dioxide offers.  When included in formulations, it blocks the sun’s rays better than any synthetic chemical.   

It is also an ingredient that causes little, if no irritation, and/or allergic reactions when applied topically. 

Why will we continue to use Titanium Dioxide? 

Our goal and purpose as a cosmetic brand is to offer safe, healthy products for consumers, our families and ourselves.  I want to base my conclusions on scientific research.   There are more studies done on Titanium Dioxide than many other cosmetic ingredients.  In fact, most aren’t tested at all!  That is what we should be afraid of.  A rating of “0” on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, could indicate that the ingredient hasn’t been studied at all (data gaps).  This is the most dangerous variety.  The Skin Deep Database rates Titanium Dioxide as a 1-3.  This is absolutely reasonable, considering that it has been thoroughly studied ingredient.   

Often times, ingredients are vilified by companies who are seeking to elevate their products above other brands.  This is not based on sound, scientific research and doesn’t hold long-term.  

Conclusion 

Each individual must make a choice for themselves what they want to put in and on their bodies.  If, after reading this information you are still convinced to avoid Titanium Dioxide, we respect your decision completely.   

We have received emails from concerned consumers, regarding almost every single one of our ingredients.  Even though, we feel we have a very strict ingredient standard, AND have an honest ingredient disclosure policy , we acknowledge that we won’t be able to please everyone. 

Thank you for taking the time to read!