On 14 September 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) approved the European Commission’s mandate to assess the safety of nano and non-nano titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in cosmetic products.
Background
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) (CAS/EC numbers 13463-67-7/236-675-5, 1317-70-0/215-280-1, 1317-80-2/215-282-2) is a white, insoluble, inert substance with a high refractive index. In its microcrystalline form, it is used as a white pigment or opacifying agent in make-up, skin care, hair and oral products. In addition, since TiO2 absorbs and scatters both UVA and UVB rays is it also used as inorganic UV-filter primarily in sunscreens, but also in day creams, foundations and lip balms, to provide protection against UV radiation. The introduction of colourless, ultrafine nanoparticles of TiO2 improved its application on the skin while maintaining and enhancing its UV-filter properties.
TiO2 is authorized both as colorant under entry 143 of Annex IV and as UV-filter under entries 27 and 27a (nano form) of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation). In light of its classification as a Carcinogen Category 2 (i.e. suspected human carcinogen) by inhalation route only and its inclusion in Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No.1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) TiO2 was re-assessed by the SCCS.
Subsequently, a new entry in Annex III and additional provisions in the existing entries of Annexes IV and VI were introduced that further restricted the issue of TiO2 in cosmetic products.
