How to Mix Titanium Dioxide into Lotion Base

Adding Titanium Dioxide to a pre-made lotion base requires careful consideration of both the type of Titanium Dioxide you have and the composition of the lotion base itself. As the staff mentioned, without knowing the exact base formula, it's difficult to provide a guaranteed method.

Generally, Titanium Dioxide, especially in powder form, needs to be properly dispersed before being added to an emulsion like lotion. Simply adding the powder directly can lead to clumping, uneven distribution, and potential instability of the lotion.

Here's a general approach, keeping in mind that success depends on compatibility:

1. Determine the Type of Titanium Dioxide:

   • Powder Form: Most types, like Titanium Dioxide 200nm EasyDisperse™ or Titanium Dioxide Nanosil, are powders. Some are treated to disperse better in oil/silicone, while others like Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™ are designed for water dispersion.
   • Liquid Dispersion Form: Some products, such as WaterMix™ White, are pre-dispersed in a liquid base, which can make them easier to incorporate.

2. Prepare the Titanium Dioxide (for Powder Forms):

   • If you have a powder form, you typically need to create a dispersion first. This involves mixing the Titanium Dioxide powder with a suitable liquid medium (like a small amount of oil, silicone, or water, depending on the type of Titanium Dioxide and its coating) and milling or mixing thoroughly to break up aggregates and ensure the particles are evenly distributed.

3. Incorporate into the Lotion Base:

   • Once the Titanium Dioxide is properly dispersed (either from step 2 or if you are using a liquid dispersion like WaterMix™ White), you can slowly add this dispersion to your pre-made lotion base while continuously mixing. Using a high-shear mixer (like a homogenizer or a strong stirrer) is often necessary to ensure the Titanium Dioxide remains evenly distributed throughout the lotion and doesn't settle over time.

Important Considerations:

• Compatibility: The key challenge is ensuring the dispersed Titanium Dioxide is compatible with your specific lotion base. The base needs to have sufficient emulsifier or suspending agents to keep the Titanium Dioxide particles stable within the emulsion.
• Concentration: Add the Titanium Dioxide dispersion gradually and check the consistency and appearance of the lotion. Adding too much can destabilize the emulsion or make the lotion too thick or pasty.
• Purpose: If you are adding Titanium Dioxide for UV protection, ensure you are using a grade specifically designed for sunscreen and add it at the recommended concentration to achieve the desired SPF.

Because the composition of your pre-made lotion base is unknown, it's impossible to guarantee that the Titanium Dioxide will incorporate smoothly and remain stable. However, properly dispersing the Titanium Dioxide before adding it to the base and mixing thoroughly are the best practices to follow.