Recent UK studies advise of strong health risks when using
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in nanoparticle form in powdered mineral
makeup. These inhaled TiO2 nanoparticles coming in contact with
living tissue have a similar effect as asbestos and could cause
lung cancer. However, TiO2 is safe when contained in cream form
as it cannot then become airborne. This is typically the case in
sun screens. In cream form, TiO2 stays on the upper layers of
the skin and does not come in contact with living tissue.
Titanium Dioxide is often used in cream form in products to
provide all-natural mineral-based sun protection. It is not used
in powered form. TiO2 particles in products are a larger size
(not a nanoparticle) and is additionally coated with stearic
acid to further prevent interaction with living tissue. An
excellent study was published in the Journal of
Nanobiotechnology: Nanoparticles - known and unknown health
risks