On the other hand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in their Final Administrative Order on Sunscreen Drug Products posted in September 2021 still accepts titanium dioxide up to 25% in the list of Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) in the main document, without further clarification on what kind or size of particles [9]. However, on page 24 (Sunscreen containing nanomaterials) FDA clearly “distinguish nanomaterials from other forms of these ingredients'' (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and ask for comments on “any particular nanomaterials that you believe should not be permitted for use in OTC sunscreen products”. To the best of our knowledge, this Agency did not ban the use of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide in any form, even though it is mentioned on page 34 that the anatase form is the more photoactive one, due to the lack of evidence with real sunscreens OTC (over the counter) in vivo. Moreover, other regulations in Latin America (MERCOSUR agreement, 2006) do not state clearly their position on the use of nanoparticulate TiO₂NPs [10].

The ingredient in question? Titanium dioxide.

Natural barite and anthracite containing more than 95% barium sulfate are mixed and fed at a ratio of 3:1 (mass). After being crushed to a diameter of less than 2cm, it enters the reduction furnace. The furnace temperature is controlled to be 1000-1200°C in the front section and 500-500 in the back section. 600°C, the reduction furnace rotates at a speed of 80 seconds per revolution, and the reaction conversion rate is 80% to 90%.