Is Titanium Dioxide Safe For Skin-What Is Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide

Non-nano titanium dioxide refers to a form of titanium dioxide (TiO2) where the particles are larger than 100 nanometers (nm) in size. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient used in a variety of products, including sunscreen, cosmetics, paints, and food, primarily for its whitening and opacity-providing properties.

The term “nano” refers to the size of the particles, where a nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Nanomaterials, including nano-sized titanium dioxide, have unique properties due to their small size, such as increased surface area and reactivity. However, there are concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of nano-sized particles, as they can be more easily absorbed into the skin and distributed throughout the body, potentially leading to unforeseen biological interactions.

Non-nano titanium dioxide is considered by some to be a safer alternative because the larger particle size is less likely to penetrate the skin and is generally thought to have a lower risk of causing adverse health effects. It is also less likely to generate reactive oxygen species that can damage cells when exposed to UV light, which is a concern with nano-sized titanium dioxide.

In the context of sunscreens, non-nano titanium dioxide is often preferred by those who are concerned about the potential risks of nanoparticles. It provides effective broad-spectrum UV protection while being less likely to pose the same potential risks associated with its nano-sized counterpart. However, it’s important to note that the safety of titanium dioxide, whether nano or non-nano, is also dependent on other factors such as the overall formulation of the product and how it is used. Regulatory agencies around the world continue to study and assess the safety of both nano and non-nano titanium dioxide in various applications.