Titanium Dioxide, Water Dispersible, 50 g

Water-dispersible titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is a white pigment that serves three purposes in a formulation: it opacifies clear and translucent systems, giving them a milky appearance, it colours products white, and in the finished product it acts as a physical UV filter. This variant disperses in water, so it belongs in the water phase of creams, lotions, shampoos and shower gels.

It is used in both home and professional production wherever a product should be white or opaque: from emulsions and soaps to bath bombs and decorative cosmetics, where it serves as the base white for mixing pastel shades.

Key features

• Opacifying the formulation – even a low usage rate turns a clear gel, toner or shampoo into a milky white product.
• White dye – in soaps, bath bombs and decorative cosmetics it gives a pure white and lightens other pigments. When mixing colours, it reduces intensity and creates pastel tones.
• UV filter – titanium dioxide reflects and scatters UV radiation. The protection factor of the finished product depends on the usage rate, the dispersion of the particles and the whole recipe, so it is verified by testing the finished product.
• Free of nanoparticles – the average particle size is 0.2–0.8 µm. Nanomaterials are not used, added or formed during production.
• Purity above 99% – TiO₂ content according to the manufacturer’s technical data sheet.

Use in a formulation

The powder does not dissolve in water or in oil; in water it only disperses. In a water-based system it therefore remains as a finely dispersed solid and needs thorough mixing so that it is distributed evenly and does not form lumps or sediment at the bottom.

In emulsions it is added to the water phase before emulsification. First mix the weighed amount into a smaller volume of water or glycerine to form a smooth paste, and only then stir it into the rest of the water phase. At higher usage rates, a stick blender helps to complete the dispersion. In gel and liquid products without a thickener, the pigment may settle over time. In that case, it helps to adjust the viscosity or to plan for shaking before use.

In cold process soap, the powder is mixed into part of the water before it is added to the batter, or into a small amount of the finished batter, and then stirred into the whole. In bath bombs and bath salts it is added directly to the dry mixture, where it disperses well with the baking soda and citric acid. For candles and hobby use, first test its behaviour in the wax or other carrier on a small amount.

Suitable for products such as

• Creams, lotions and facial emulsions – opacifying, white colour, or added UV protection.
• Shampoos, shower gels and toners – giving a clear product a milky appearance.
• Soaps – white base colour and lightening of coloured layers.
• Bath bombs and salts – white or pastel colouring of the dry mixture.
• Decorative cosmetics and lip care – white pigment for balms, tinted creams and eyeshadows.
• Nail, hand, foot and hair care – wherever opacifying or a white shade is needed.

Good to know

Never pour the weighed powder directly into a large volume of water or into a finished emulsion. It forms lumps on the surface that are difficult to stir in. Premixing in a small amount of liquid solves this problem.

At higher usage rates, the pigment affects the texture: the product feels thicker and may leave a whitish film on the skin, which can be controlled by adjusting the usage rate. In clear packaging, allow for possible settling, which more viscous systems limit.

This variant is intended for the water phase. In purely oil-based and anhydrous recipes it disperses less well, so test its behaviour beforehand.

Frequently asked questions