MG Naturals · Evidence-based resource
What is the Titanium Dioxide Library, and why does it exist?
Quick answer
The Titanium Dioxide Library is a free, evidence-based resource explaining why MG Naturals refuses to formulate with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) — an ingredient found in almost every mainstream foundation, powder, BB cream, concealer and sunscreen on the market. We built this library because the science raises questions the beauty industry doesn't answer, and our customers deserve those answers in plain English.
In May 2021 the European Food Safety Authority concluded titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, citing concerns about genotoxicity that could not be ruled out. The EU banned it in food across all member states from August 2022. It remains permitted in your foundation.
Who this library is for
People who have stopped trusting "industry standard" as a reassurance. People with sensitive, reactive or compromised skin. People buying for children. People who have read an ingredient list and thought there is more going on here than the brand is telling me.
If that's you, this library was written for you.
Our position
We do not formulate for the fastest route to coverage. We formulate for skin. Going titanium dioxide-free is the single biggest line we have drawn — and the one that has cost us the most in formulation time, money and difficulty.
We chose it anyway.
What's in this library
02
What titanium dioxide actually is, and where it shows up
Titanium dioxide is the workhorse behind "perfect-skin" coverage. It is the reason your foundation looks lighter on your hand than the bottle suggests. It is the reason your powder looks blurring.
Read more →03
Why the beauty industry is so reliant on it
It's not a mystery. Titanium dioxide is everywhere because it solves problems brands don't want to solve properly.
Read more →04
Nano vs non-nano — the half-answer brands love
If a brand has ever told you their titanium dioxide is "non-nano" and acted like that settles it, they're not telling you the whole story.
Read more →05
Why MG Naturals refuses to formulate with it
We didn't build the brand around titanium dioxide and then quietly remove it for marketing. We refused to start with it.
Read more →06
Who should pay attention
Not everyone needs to be vigilant about titanium dioxide. Here's who we think does.
Read more →07
The questions everyone asks
Is it banned? In food in the EU — yes, since August 2022. In cosmetics — no. But the science that triggered the food ban doesn't change because you're putting it on your face instead of in your mouth.
Read more →08
The peer-reviewed evidence
We don't expect anyone to take our word for this. Here's the work, with every claim sourced to a primary peer-reviewed paper or regulatory document.
Read more →10
Founder notes
This is where I write the things that don't fit on a product page.
Read more →Just here for alternatives? Jump straight to the Titanium Dioxide–Free Directory — products we've reviewed and found titanium dioxide free.
The TiO₂–Free Directory
A note from Kailah
“Once I understood what titanium dioxide was doing in formulas, I couldn't unsee it. I went back to the drawing board, threw out months of work, and started again. It was harder. It was slower. It was more expensive. I'd do it again tomorrow.”
— Kailah Shannon, Founder & Cosmetic Formulator since 2013
Frequently asked questions
