Titanium dioxide, also called titania, is an odorless white powder and naturally occurring mineral that is widely used as a pigment for its brightness and whitening effects on a variety of materials, such as paint, plastic, paper, cosmetics, sunscreens, toothpastes and foods.

Cosmetics

A significant body of research, mostly from rodent models and in vitro studies, has linked titanium dioxide with health risks related to the gut, including intestinal inflammation, alterations to the gut microbiota, and more. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group 2B, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Titanium dioxide comes in the form of a white powder and is sometimes used in cosmetics to adjust a color to a lighter shade. This is also why it can produce a white cast.

Nowadays, the use of nanoparticles in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products has increased. In the last case, nano-sized components are used without proper characterization of their effects, leading to unwanted and dangerous consequences for the users [1,2].

Food recalls:Some Jif peanut butter products recalled over salmonella outbreak concerns 

Lithopone has therefore traditionally been used in stoppers and putties, jointing compounds and sealing compounds, primers and undercoats and in road-marking paints.

It’s also used in food products to provide a white color. Candies, cakes and creamers are examples of foods that may contain titanium dioxide for its color enhancing and bleaching properties.

Faber argued there hasn't been enough change in these federal regulations in the decades following the FDA's approval of titanium dioxide – especially as others increasingly point to potential health consequences.