Using Titanium Dioxide Water Disperse in Face Spray Sunscreen: Inhalation Risk
Question
I heard from a dermatologist that mineral sunscreens like TD / Zinc Oxide should not be used in spray form because particles can be inhaled. I am considering using `Titanium Dioxide Water Disperse` for a face spray sunscreen. Since this product is a liquid dispersion, I am unsure if its particles are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs when sprayed. Can `Titanium Dioxide Water Disperse` be used for a face spray sunscreen?
Answer
Can Titanium Dioxide Water Disperse be used in a face spray sunscreen?
Based on the products found and your concern about using Titanium Dioxide in a face spray due to potential inhalation, here is the information:
We found three products that match "Titanium Dioxide Water Disperse":
- Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Water-Dispersion)
- Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™
- WaterMix™ White (Titanium Dioxide 60%, Water-Dispersible Liquid)
Let's look at their descriptions:
- Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Water-Dispersion): This product is specifically for sunscreen formulations and has an ultra-small particle size of 15nm. It is designed for water-based or oil-in-water sunscreens.
- Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™: This product has an average particle size of 250nm and is explicitly stated for use in make-up formulas only, not for sunscreen UV protection.
- WaterMix™ White (Titanium Dioxide 60%, Water-Dispersible Liquid): This product is also stated for use only in make-up products, not for sunscreen UV protection.
Regarding your question about using Titanium Dioxide Water Disperse in a face spray sunscreen and the concern about inhaling particles:
The primary concern with using mineral UV filters like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide in spray or aerosol formulations, especially for the face, is the potential inhalation of fine particles into the lungs. This concern is particularly relevant for nano-sized particles (typically considered below 100nm).
While "Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Water-Dispersion)" is a liquid dispersion and intended for sunscreen, its particle size is 15nm, which falls into the nano range. Even in a liquid dispersion, spraying can create an aerosol of these small particles. Therefore, using this product in a face spray carries a potential risk of inhaling nano-sized Titanium Dioxide particles, which aligns with the concern raised by the dermatologist.
The other two products, "Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™" and "WaterMix™ White (Titanium Dioxide 60%, Water-Dispersible Liquid)", are not suitable for making a sunscreen for UV protection as they are intended for makeup applications only.
In conclusion, while "Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Water-Dispersion)" is a sunscreen-grade ingredient, using it in a face spray is generally not recommended due to the potential inhalation risk associated with its nano particle size when aerosolized. It is safer to use mineral sunscreens in lotion or cream forms, especially for the face, to avoid this risk.