Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide suppliers and sourcing guide
Titanium dioxide is a synthetic white pigment made from titanium ores by the sulfate or chloride process, then purified, milled and classified. It exists as anatase or rutile crystal forms and gives white opacity to candy coatings, frostings, tablet and capsule coatings, and cosmetics. Food and pharma grades are sold as powders and pre-dispersed slurries; cosmetic grades include coated and micronized versions.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- TiO2 · E171 · CI 77891 · Pigment White 6
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of titanium dioxide
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Anatase food or pharma grade
Pigmentary powder meeting food color additive and pharmacopeial specs, used in coatings and confectionery.
Rutile grade
The denser crystal form with higher opacity, common in cosmetics.
Coated cosmetic grades
Particles surface-treated with silica, alumina, silicones or other agents for dispersion in oils or water.
Dispersions
Pre-dispersed TiO2 in water, glycerin or oil for easier mixing in coating suspensions and emulsions.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- TiO2 assay
- Titanium dioxide content after drying, by titration or XRF, against the 99.0 percent minimum in 21 CFR 73.575 for the uncoated color.
- Loss on ignition and drying
- Loss on drying and loss on ignition, both limited in the specification.
- Water- and acid-soluble substances
- Soluble matter by gravimetry, which shows impurities and coating residues.
- Heavy metals and antimony
- Lead, arsenic, antimony and mercury by ICP-MS on an acid extract, as described in the regulation.
- Particle size and crystal form
- Particle size distribution by laser diffraction or electron microscopy, and crystal form by XRD.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Titanium dioxide is chemically stable; keep it sealed and dry to prevent caking and contamination, and control dust in weighing areas. Dispersions should be mixed before use because they settle. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier specification.
Lots and expiry dates
Record assay, particle size and crystal form for each lot, since particle size and coating affect opacity and dispersion. Check whether a grade is labeled for food, drug or cosmetic use, because specs and permitted uses differ by market.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.575 lists titanium dioxide for coloring foods generally, provided it does not exceed 1 percent by weight of the food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.2575 lists titanium dioxide for use in cosmetics, including cosmetics used in the area of the eye.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA says it is reviewing a color additive petition, filed April 14, 2023, that asks FDA to repeal 21 CFR 73.575 so titanium dioxide is no longer permitted in foods.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)In a May 6, 2021 updated assessment, EFSA concluded that titanium dioxide (E 171) can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.
Source: efsa.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Titanium dioxide suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking titanium dioxide suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell titanium dioxide? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of titanium dioxide can brands buy?
Common forms include anatase food or pharma grade, rutile grade, coated cosmetic grades and dispersions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for titanium dioxide include?
Expect tiO2 assay, loss on ignition and drying, water- and acid-soluble substances, heavy metals and antimony and particle size and crystal form, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should titanium dioxide be stored?
Titanium dioxide is chemically stable; keep it sealed and dry to prevent caking and contamination, and control dust in weighing areas. Dispersions should be mixed before use because they settle. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier specification.
What is the regulatory status of titanium dioxide?
21 CFR 73.575 lists titanium dioxide for coloring foods generally, provided it does not exceed 1 percent by weight of the food. 21 CFR 73.2575 lists titanium dioxide for use in cosmetics, including cosmetics used in the area of the eye. FDA says it is reviewing a color additive petition, filed April 14, 2023, that asks FDA to repeal 21 CFR 73.575 so titanium dioxide is no longer permitted in foods. In a May 6, 2021 updated assessment, EFSA concluded that titanium dioxide (E 171) can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.
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