Is titanium dioxide a harmful ingredient? What does titanium dioxide do to your body? Let's address common questions regarding this coverage-lending ingredient:
First, what is titanium dioxide?
Titanium dioxide is a white powder derived from rock-extracted mineral compounds. By nature, it is an inorganic compound. It's used often as a pigment, from food to makeup to paint, and may appear by the following names:
titanium dioxide;
titanium white;
TiOâ‚‚;
or CI 77891;
among other names.
Titanium dioxide is a color additive in foods such as vegan milks, candies, creamer, confection embelishments, gum and some vitamin and mineral supplements.
First, the pro's to titanium dioxide:
Titanium dioxide can block ultraviolet light and protect skin from UV damage and oxidative stress. It diffuses UVA and UVB rays from skin and is therefore a popular--if not number one--active ingredient in mineral-based sunscreen.
When used in makeup, titanium dioxide offers coverage without leaving white residue. It can help regulate the thickness and consistency of a formula.
The Environmental Working Group assesses titanium dioxide as an ingredient with 'good' data behind it and provides that it's a low-risk for concern unless inhaled.
The cons:
There is growing concern over its usage in food and drinks as well as cosmetics, especially powders that can, in fact, be inhaled, and in any format with titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form. More below >
Why is titanium dioxide used in skincare and cosmetics?
Titanium dioxide is a white pigment--a powder derived via transformation of rock-extracted minerals--that offers coverage in cosmetics, sun-protective factors, and can help regulate the consistency, thickness, and texture in a formula.
It's relied upon in sunscreens and cosmetics--often in tandem with zinc oxide--touting an SPF rating because it has sun-protective properties, as noted earlier.
Can titanium dioxide change your DNA?
Two especially important points exist within the realm of titanium dioxide safety.
First, titanium dioxide ought not be inhaled. That is discussed within this page as well. Within this specific point, let's talk about titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form, which is where DNA alteration concerns especially exist. Nanoparticles can exert their effects whether inhaled or applied to a surface such as skin:
We will first define nanoparticles (and later again within this page, too). Nanoparticles (NPs; nanos) are tiny particles ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanoparticles are of interest due to (but not limited to) the following:
- Gene delivery systems in gene therapy
- For biological detection of disease causing organisms and diagnosis
- Detection of proteinsIsolation and purification of biological molecules and cells in research
- Genetic and tissue engineering
- Destruction of tumours with drugs
Reference: Ibrahim Khan, Khalid Saeed, Idrees Khan; Nanoparticles: Properties, applications and toxicities. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, Volume 12, Issue 7, 2019, pages 908-931, ISSN 1878-5352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2017.05.011. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187853521730099
Nanoparticles of titanium oxide used in sunscreens, for example, have the same chemical composition as the larger white titanium oxide particles but nano titanium oxide is transparent.
Within the tiny nanoparticle range, concern burgeons with the fact that properties of particles can change, often unpredictably: Consider information from the study Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce DNA Damage
and Genetic Instability In vivo in Mice
Reference: Benedicte Trouiller, Ramune Reliene, Aya Westbrook, Parrisa Solaimani, Robert H. Schiestl; Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce DNA Damage and Genetic Instability In vivo in Mice. Cancer Res 15 November 2009; 69 (22): 8784–8789. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-249
Is titanium dioxide safe in makeup?
Based on the above information and recommended references, among your own research, do you contend titanium dioxide is or is not safe in cosmetics? Our notion is this:
- Titanium dioxide ought not be inhaled (as is the case with many ingredients and substances in life);
- titanium dioxide ought not be in nanoparticle form;
- if titanium dioxide bothers your skin or ingredient acumen (or both), it should be avoided.
Titanium dioxide that is not in nanoparticle form and is not inhaled (e.g., in creams or liquid foundations) may be the safer alternative compared to when it's in loose powder formats, let alone when nanoparticle in size.
When we use titanium dioxide, it's in cream or liquid formulas in effort to provide ample coverage. With our loose powders, our formulas are without titanium dioxide.
In a nutshell, use your wise judgement and discernment; consider the pros and cons to the ingredient and how it can interact with your unique needs. When shopping formulas with or without the coverage-, SPF-lending ingredient, ensure the company is reputable and with a friendly return/exchange policy. For your convenience and assessment, we offer samples of select formulas and a friendly return/exchange policy on full-sized formulas. Have fun choosing among the best formulas!
Ingredient details
Where can I see the formulas?
Each product page fully discloses the ingredients!
Does Heal Yes! use nanoparticles in any formulas?
No, never! Nanoparticles are cosmetic ingredients so small in size they can allegedly permeate pores and enter the bloodstream (no thanks! Our bodies have enough to contend with!). We entrust cosmetic-grade particle sizes and even high-micron sizes!
Are the formulas fragrance-free?
Synthetic fragrances are always avoided among Heal Yes! formulas; naturally, scents or aromas come from raw ingredients themselves (e.g., lavender imparts a natural floral aroma; some organic oils and waxes smell clean and nutty; etc.).
Are Heal Yes! formulas vegan?
Most products are vegan, indeed, albeit some contain beeswax; the vegan collection is here. ​We use kosher or synthetic beeswax. Always, we avoid carmine.
Is Heal Yes! gluten-free?
Heal Yes! formulas do not use gluten, not even our vitamin E. If there is ever even a trace amount, it will be disclosed within the fully disclosed product page ingredient list. ​When and if we carry other brands that contain gluten, we will disclose such within the ingredient section on that respective product page.
Is Heal Yes! non-clogging?
We advocate learning which ingredients your skin appreciates and which you need to truly avoid, noting that your skin is unique to you: A specific natural, mineral, or other such ingredient may bother one individual but be nourishing to another. We are all different. Finding ingredient sets for your skin is a worthwhile process, and we are here to help.
Regarding hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic makeup, among other claims, there are not regimented, regulated testing methods to make formulas qualify for these statements: Analyze each formula's ingredient set and the company's trust factor and ethos carefully to make your own wise discernments!
Are all the products hypoallergenic / non-clogging / non-comedogenic?
According to fda.gov, hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. . . .
We seek to offer the purest array of ingredient combinations to appeal to various skin types and those with specific ingredient needs, whether due to sensitivities or allergies. Sensitivities and allergies vary greatly from person to person--and can be dynamic and chage within one person's lifetime--so we advocate knowing what you need to avoid at this point in time and choosing very discerningly among our clean formulas.
What we will not do is green-wash and make over-promising guarantees about something that would work for 'everyone' when we are all truly so very unique, with unique needs; there is no magic bullet product perfect for everyone, no matter how clean it is:
What we DO aim for is to have something--or a whole makeup bag full of formulas--perfect for you, and it may take sampling select option and trying various iterations to figure out what your skin loves most.
Regarding hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic makeup, among other claims, there are not regimented, regulated testing methods to make formulas qualify for these statements: Analyze each formula's ingredient set and the company's trust factor and ethos carefully to make your own wise discernments!
Aren't oils and waxes skin-clogging?
Heal Yes! uses organic, non-GMO, breathable oils and waxes among synergistic formulas.
Noxious, synthetic oils such as mineral oil and petrolatum are clogging and avoided. Do note that organic oils and waxes can be the opposite--gentle and even nourishing; select organic oils, waxes, and synergistic formulas can bode with even the most sensitive skin.
Please note that this is NOT to say that some people do not react to seemingly good ingredients, whether oils, waxes, butters, etc.: our bodies are ever-changing, dynamic, and unique:
Let's use shea butter, for example. One person's skin may love organic shea butter while another needs to avoid it; perhaps another person uses shea butter raw whereas another can use it only when it's in a specific synergistic formula (etc.).
Some formulas contain [a specific ingredient] while others do not; why the variance?
Clean cosmetic formulas is our priority, though each of us has specific ingredient needs: We have a variety of formulations to choose from in effort to cater to various ingredient, sensitivity, and allergen needs. Additionally, we always disclose all the ingredients on product pages and product labels.
A good starting point is within this very page you're viewing as well as the ingredient starting points here to find your specific products.
Often, our savvy supporters entrust us to provide specific formulas that match their ingredient needs; if you want to steer clear of an ingredient, we surely have options for you!
For instance, if you prefer or need makeup without mica, choose mica-free. Needing to avoid titanium dioxide? We have options without titanium dioxide. The list goes on and on!
Are all Heal Yes! ingredients organic or non-GMO?
We utilize the absolute highest percentage of organic ingredients possible (e.g., for agricultural-derived ingredients). Some ingredients are inorganic by nature, such as minerals: For instance, clays, zinc oxide, and other such inorganic ingredients do not qualify for organic certification. Our formulas are the cleanest-of-clean and a combination of organic, non-GMO, mineral-based, and overall geared to be the best for ingredient-discerning individuals.
Safety + more
Is Heal Yes! a good option for those who are pregnant / nursing / of a certain age or condition? What if I'm undergoing a treatment?
What we can and do provide are clean cosmetic products with and without specific ingredients so you can make your best decisions among wonderful options. Regarding claims and conditions, it is in everyone's best interest to ask you to confer with your healthcare provider when it comes to ingredients and your specific safety concerns or needs. We contend that we offer the widest, most purposeful array of ingredients and omissions for you to review with trusted professionals accordingly.
Do products have and SPF rating?
The ingredients that lend the most sun-protective qualities are often titanium dioxide and zinc oxide; we turn to one or both for coverage-enhancing qualities, especially in our foundations, albeit we have not had them tested for specific SPF ratings.
Are all the formulas cruelty-free, without animal testing?
Yes! From the raw ingredients themselves to the finished products, all are without animal cruelty!
Avoiding specific ingredients?
Many of our loyal supporters have super sensitive skin and ingredient needs. Do you know what you need to avoid? Consider these special collections, noting that we ALWAYS AVOID the following (and then some!) --
NEVER TALC | ALWAYS GLUTEN-FREE | NANOPARTICLE-FREE | WITHOUT ANIMAL TESTING, FROM RAW INGREDIENTS TO FINISHED PRODUCTS | NO COAL TAR | PROPYLENE GLYCOL-FREE | CARMINE-FREE
Special omissions include the following:

Titanium Dioxide-Free

Mica-Free

Phenoxyethanol-Free


Vegan: Without Animal-Derived Ingredients
Featured: Titanium Dioxide-Free Makeup
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Long-Lasting Silky-Soft Pressed Mineral Foundation - Titanium Dioxide-Free, Phenoxyethanol-Free, + More!
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Subtle-Coverage Four-Ingredient Loose Powder Mineral Foundation
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Essential Perfecting Primer (Half Size) - Titanium Dioxide-Free, Mica-Free, Iron Oxide-Free!
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Essential Perfecting Primer (Standard Size) - Titanium Dioxide-Free, Mica-Free, Iron Oxide-Free!
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Concentrated Long-Stay Jet-Black Vegan Cream Eyeliner
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Non-Drying Two-Ingredient Mineral Veil - Titanium Dioxide-Free, Mica-Free, & More!
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Two-Ingredient Shimmer Eyeshadow - Without Talc, Titanium Dioxide, + Much More!
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Matte Loose Powder Mineral Eyeshadow - No Mica, No Titanium Dioxide, & More!
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Multifunctioning Vitamin E Stick
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Lip Exfoliator
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