- Warning Lights Many modern vehicles have dashboard warning lights that may indicate issues related to the serpentine belt and its function.
- In the cosmetics industry, titanium dioxide is used as a sunscreen agent to protect skin from harmful UV rays. It is also used in makeup products such as foundations and powders to provide a natural-looking coverage and a radiant finish. The micronized form of titanium dioxide is particularly effective at absorbing UV light, making it a popular choice among consumers who are concerned about sun protection.
A 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists examined the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on important gut bacteria in mice. Their results showed “the growth inhibitory effects could be associated with cell membrane damage caused by titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the bacterial strains. Metabolomics analysis showed that TiO2 NPs caused alterations in multiple metabolic pathways of gut bacteria, such as tryptophan and arginine metabolism, which were demonstrated to play crucial roles in regulating gut and host health.” The researchers also found that four different neuroprotective metabolites “were significantly reduced” in urine and in vitro bacteria and vivo urine samples. The researchers concluded: “Increasing evidence implies that the gut microbiome plays a profound role in regulating host metabolism. Our results illustrated that TiO2 NPs hindered the growth of four beneficial gut bacterial strains.”
With its storied history and distinct properties, lithopone remains a subject of historical significance and contemporary relevance. While its applications and popularity have evolved, its role in the annals of pigment history is indisputable.
Titanium dioxide is used in an enormous range of food products, which can feel jarring when looking at some of its other uses.

Key Applications
The major restraint to the global Lithopone market is the availability of numerous white pigment substitutes. It can be replaced by other inorganic white pigments such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Sachtolith. Among these substitutes, the introduction of TiO2 has reduced the commercial importance of Lithopone white pigment. Compared to other white pigments, TiO2 has high brightness and refractive index, which results in lower pigment loading.
Risks
Ultimately, most experts advise moderation, as titanium dioxide is typically found in processed foods that come with their own health risks.
EFSA's evaluation is related to the risks of TiO2 used as a food additive, not to other uses.
FDA’s response


It’s true that titanium dioxide does not rank as high for UVA protection as zinc oxide, it ends up being a small difference (think about it like being 10 years old versus 10 years and 3 months old). This is not easily understood in terms of other factors affecting how sunscreen actives perform (such as the base formula), so many, including some dermatologists, assume that zinc oxide is superior to titanium dioxide for UVA protection. When carefully formulated, titanium dioxide provides excellent UVA protection. Its UVA protection peak is lower than that of zinc oxide, but both continue to provide protection throughout the UVA range for the same amount of time.
Total Zinc (as ZnS)