Titanium Dioxide in Soap & Wash-Off Lotion: Whitening & Sun Protection Claims

Asked by: nuaom5562 On: August 22, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Following a discussion about misleading cosmetic claims regarding products showing a temporary whitening effect after washing off, I have some questions based on common marketing tactics:

  • Regarding images that show significant temporary whitening after using a wash-off product, is this effect typically achieved through controlled demonstrations by the seller rather than being representative of normal user experience?
  • What is the true function of Titanium Dioxide in soap? Is it primarily used to whiten the soap bar itself, and does it provide skin whitening or sun protection after the soap is washed off?
  • Is the noticeable temporary whitening effect seen in some wash-off products (like certain soaps) often due to the inclusion of bleaching agents, which can be harmful with regular use?
  • When sellers attribute skin whitening from a wash-off product to Titanium Dioxide, is this often a misleading claim used to avoid disclosing the use of bleaching agents?
  • Is it possible to formulate a wash-off lotion that leaves a temporary white cast and has some water resistance after rinsing? If so, what types of ingredients would be used (such as Titanium Dioxide Nano EasyDisperse™, Water-Capsule™, Silicone Blender, and Light Cream Maker™)?
  • Would such a wash-off lotion provide sun protection comparable to a standard leave-on sunscreen?

Answer

Titanium Dioxide in Soap and Wash-Off Lotion

Titanium Dioxide in Soap

  • Titanium Dioxide is used to whiten the soap bar itself.
  • It does not provide skin whitening or sun protection after washing off.
  • Observed skin whitening from some soaps is likely due to other ingredients, potentially harmful bleaching agents.

Wash-Off Lotion with Skin Adherence

  • It is possible to create a lotion that leaves some temporary white cast and has some water resistance after rinsing.
  • This is not a substitute for a standard leave-on sunscreen and its sun protection level after washing is not guaranteed or easily measurable.
  • Ingredients like Titanium Dioxide Nano EasyDisperse™, Water-Capsule™, Silicone Blender, and Light Cream Maker™ can be used to formulate such a lotion.

Ingredient Availability

  • We have the necessary ingredients for the wash-off lotion formulation, including Titanium Dioxide Nano EasyDisperse™, Water-Capsule™, Silicone Blender, and Light Cream Maker™.
  • We do not provide ingredients or formulations for soaps that use bleaching agents for skin whitening.