Manufacturers get titanium dioxide from minerals called brookite, rutile, and anatase. It's processed into a powder and refined to meet strict safety guidelines.

According to the American Chemistry Council, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an inorganic substance that's used as a white powder in a variety of industrial and consumer goods, including in sunscreen, cosmetics, toothpaste, paint, plastics, food and more.

Characteristics of Common White Pigments

In industrial settings, people can be exposed to titanium dioxide through inhalation. Inhalation exposure to titanium dioxide is exceedingly rare for most people.