How It's Made
Key facts
- Name on labels (INCI)
- Titanium Dioxide
- Also called
- TiO₂, Titania, Titanium(IV) oxide, Pigment White 6, CI 77891
- CAS number
- 13463-67-7 source
- Grade to ask for
- Cosmetic, micronised and coated
A bright white mineral powder.
What it does
- White pigment and opacity
- Its high refractive index means a thin paint film can hide the surface underneath.
- Brightness
- Gives clean whites and makes tinted colours brighter.
- UV protection
- Micronised grades reflect and absorb ultraviolet light in sunscreens and protect some materials from UV degradation.
Products on How It's Made that use titanium dioxide
| Product | Its role there |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | UV filter (mineral). |
| Emulsion paint | White pigment. The prime white pigment. It scatters light very strongly, so it gives the paint its whiteness and its ability to hide the surface underneath. |
| Gloss paint | Pigment. The white pigment that gives opacity and brightness. In gloss paint it is kept to fine, well-dispersed particles so it doesn't dull the shine. |
| Textured masonry | Pigment. White pigment for opacity and to make a clean base for tinting. |
On How It's Made, titanium dioxide is in emulsion paint, gloss paint, textured masonry paint and sunscreen. It is usually the most expensive raw material in a white paint.
Grades and specifications
- Rutile pigment grade
- The standard for paints and coatings: high opacity and durability. Surface treatments are chosen for water-based or solvent-based systems and for interior or exterior durability.
- Anatase grade
- Slightly less opaque and less durable outdoors; used in some interior paints, paper and plastics.
- Micronised cosmetic grade
- Very fine, surface-coated particles for sunscreens, which look transparent on skin while filtering UV.
Handling, safety and regulation
A fine powder handled with dust control and respiratory protection, because inhaled dust is a workplace hazard. Its use as a food colour (E171) has been banned in the EU since 2022; that does not apply to paint or sunscreen.
In cosmetics, titanium dioxide is a permitted UV filter and colourant with conditions in major markets. Sunscreens and other cosmetics in Nigeria need NAFDAC registration; paints follow Standards Organisation of Nigeria requirements.
Where titanium dioxide comes from
Titanium dioxide is made from titanium-bearing minerals such as ilmenite and rutile by the sulphate or chloride process. Production is concentrated among a handful of global producers, and Nigerian paint makers import almost all of their supply, which makes it a major exposure to exchange-rate movements.
Sourcing titanium dioxide through Matta
Send Matta a request with the grade, quantity and delivery location you need. For the wider category, see Matta's industrial chemicals page.
Listings found on matta.trade, read 19 Oct 2026. Prices are a snapshot, not live; the listing is always the final word. Different suppliers and grades: compare prices only where the unit matches.
Calcium carbonate
Acrylic binder
Glycerin
Petroleum jelly