Titanium Dioxide
CI 77891 · TiO₂ · E171
What it is
A white inorganic pigment and opacifier (CAS 13463-67-7) derived from ilmenite ore. In toothpaste it delivers the bright white color; in sunscreen it is an active UV-scattering filter. Used across food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
In this product: White colorant and opacifier, the ingredient that makes toothpaste look bright white.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Oral, incidental ingestion during tooth brushing. Children ages 1–6 swallow 14–75% of toothpaste per brushing session. The genotoxicity concern identified by EFSA and the EU SCCS is specifically raised for the oral/ingestion route, not inhalation. The SCCS stated in 2024 it ‘cannot exclude genotoxicity potential’ for oral cosmetic products such as toothpastes.
EUROPEAN UNION
Banned as a food additive (E171) across the EU effective January 1, 2022 (European Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/2090) following EFSA’s 2021 conclusion that genotoxicity could not be ruled out. In cosmetics (including toothpaste), TiO₂ remains permitted but is under active SCCS review: the SCCS May 2024 Scientific Advice states the available evidence is ‘not sufficient to exclude the genotoxicity potential of almost all types of TiO₂ grades used in oral cosmetic products.’ Final cosmetics opinion pending.
UNITED STATES
FDA permits titanium dioxide in food, drugs, and cosmetics without restriction. No ban or genotoxicity-based action on any oral use.
The evidence
EFSA 2021: ‘titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive,’ citing inability to rule out genotoxicity. EU banned E171 as a food additive effective January 2022.
regulatory · 2022 · source
EU SCCS Scientific Advice (May 2024): ‘the available evidence is not sufficient to exclude the genotoxicity potential of almost all types of TiO₂ grades used in oral cosmetic products’ such as toothpastes.
regulatory · 2024 · source
California Prop 65: Listed on California Prop 65 as a carcinogen for ‘airborne, unbound particles of respirable size’ (inhalation route only). In August 2025 a federal court blocked Prop 65 warning requirements for TiO₂ in cosmetics and personal care products on First Amendment grounds.
How to avoid it
Look for the INCI name ‘Titanium Dioxide’ or ‘CI 77891’ on toothpaste labels. Fluoride-only toothpastes formulated without colorants (e.g., many prescription-grade or European market formulas) omit it.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.