Titanium dioxide (E171) gives many toothpastes their white colour. Since the substance stopped being authorised as a food additive in the EU in 2022, many people have been wondering how to assess it in toothpaste. It is still permitted in cosmetics – the authorities’ assessment is nuanced. This article sums up the current state of knowledge objectively.

What is titanium dioxide and why is it in toothpaste?

Titanium dioxide (also known as CI 77891 or Titanium Dioxide) is a white mineral colour pigment that gives toothpaste its characteristic white colour. The additive has no benefit for oral care – it’s a purely cosmetic effect.

How to spot titanium dioxide in toothpaste: look for CI 77891 or Titanium Dioxide in the ingredients list.

Why is titanium dioxide no longer authorised in food?

In 2021, after evaluating more than 12,000 studies, EFSA concluded that a damaging effect on genetic material could not be ruled out. Since August 2022, titanium dioxide has therefore no longer been authorised as a food additive in the EU – this affects, for example, chewing gum, confectionery, baked goods, soups and sauces.

How is titanium dioxide in toothpaste assessed?

The assessment is nuanced. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) states: “There is currently no evidence that titanium dioxide in cosmetic products such as toothpaste is harmful to health.”

At the same time, questions remain open: for an effect on genetic material, the substance would have to enter the body; swallowing small amounts is possible when brushing, and the long-term effects have not been conclusively researched. Nano-sized particles in particular are under discussion.

The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) states in an assessment that a genotoxic effect from cosmetic products taken in orally cannot be ruled out.

Current developments

The EU continues to look at the future of titanium dioxide in cosmetics. Many manufacturers now voluntarily do without the ingredient. The Hamburg consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg) is calling for regulation in cosmetic products as well. A study by ÖKO-TEST of 48 toothpastes found that around a third of the products tested still contained titanium dioxide.

What you can do

A glance at the packaging is enough: if it says CI 77891 or Titanium Dioxide, the product contains titanium dioxide. There are plenty of toothpastes and tooth powders without this additive.

A natural alternative: hydroxyapatite tooth powder

If you’re looking for oral care without titanium dioxide, you’ll find it, for example, in hydroxyapatite tooth powder. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a substance naturally found in the body – the mineral that makes up most of your tooth enamel. Our tooth powder combines hydroxyapatite with plant enzymes and xylitol – without titanium dioxide, without SLS and without synthetic foaming agents.

Hydroxyapatite can support the natural remineralisation of tooth enamel, is finely ground and free from SLS and SLES, and contributes to a naturally brighter appearance through surface smoothing.

Titanium dioxide is currently permitted in toothpaste, and the debate at EU level is ongoing. Studies show – you decide what’s right for you.

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With enzymes and activated charcoal
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Our tooth powders contain no titanium dioxide. You’ll find an overview of all flavours under Tooth powder with hydroxyapatite.

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Sources

  1. Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg: Titanium dioxide: soon banned in toothpaste too? (2025, in German)
  2. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ): Is titanium dioxide carcinogenic? (2024, in German)
  3. ÖKO-TEST: Toothpaste test: titanium dioxide still in 13 of 48 toothpastes (2024, in German)
  4. German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Titanium dioxide – are there health risks? (2025, in German)
  5. European Commission: SCCS Scientific Advice on Titanium dioxide (TiO2) (2024)

Note: This blog post is for information only and does not replace advice from your dentist.