Titanium dioxide – an ingredient surrounded by many myths, some of which are not entirely true. It's responsible for the excellent coverage of mineral foundations and gives them a pleasant, fluffy, velvety texture. Why do we use it in Annabelle Minerals cosmetics and what role does it play? In today's article, we'll try to dispel all your doubts.
Titanium dioxide
A highly opaque pigment with a powerful whitening effect. It adheres perfectly to the skin, further enhancing its coverage and making cosmetics silky and incredibly pleasant to wear. It can act as a filler, although it is often used to achieve a matte finish in cosmetics (often colored). Despite its excellent mattifying properties, it does not dry out or irritate the skin, even when used in high concentrations, nor does it emphasize dry patches, unlike zinc oxide. For these reasons, formulas with higher coverage often work much better for skin types that struggle with occasional dryness or permanent dryness. Titanium dioxide, like zinc oxide, is a natural mineral filter. However, it offers a much broader range of UVB and, to some extent, UVA protection. Although mineral cosmetics don't provide broad-spectrum or high sun protection (maximum 20-30 SPF when applied evenly), they offer natural protection with a light, easy-to-wash consistency and, importantly, stable protection, resistant to sweat and sebum, without a specific, short shelf life. According to current regulations, the use of titanium dioxide in powder cosmetics at concentrations up to 25% is completely safe and approved by the European Commission. It's an excellent alternative to chemical filters. Titanium dioxide visually smoothes the skin, filling in pores, wrinkles, and minor imperfections. However, due to its high coverage, it can be overused, making the product visible. A light and precise hand is recommended: foundations containing higher amounts of titanium dioxide require more thorough application and the thinnest possible layers. Titanium dioxide, as I mentioned, doesn't have to be an ingredient in mineral foundations, although it can also be the sole ingredient in the formula, along with unchanging mica and coloring oxides. Formulas with titanium dioxide are significantly creamier, more pleasant, and more opaque, and are better suited to mature and dry skin types.
Ewa Szałkowska – young, ambitious, and creative. Passionate about art, a lover of good food and dark chocolate, she has been passionate about mineral makeup for several years, learning it from the ground up. With immense passion, she runs a unique online space where she shares her knowledge and experience in skincare for problematic skin in an accessible and creative way. She is the founder and author of the blog www.ewaszalkowska.com .
