Why is titanium dioxide used in food, including in Skittles?

Titanium dioxide is a naturally-occurring mineral found in the earth’s crust. Because of its white color, opaqueness, and ability to refract light, the ingredient is often used as a pigment, brightener, and opacifier, which is an ingredient that makes a formulation more opaque. Titanium dioxide is also a UV filter and so is an effective active ingredient in sunscreens. It’s often used in cosmetic loose and pressed powders, especially “mineral powder” cosmetics, in addition to other cosmetics, lotions, toothpaste, and soap.

Lithopone, C.I. Pigment White 5, is a mixture of inorganic compounds, widely used as a white pigment powder. It is composed of a mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. These insoluble compounds blend well with organic compounds and confer opacity. It was made popular by the cheap production costs, greater coverage. Related white pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide (zinc white), zinc sulfide, and white lead.^[1]

SYNONYMES (LISTE NON EXHAUSTIVE)

THE OBSCURE HISTORY OF A UBIQUITOUS PIGMENT: PHOSPHORESCENT LITHOPONE AND ITS APPEARANCE ON DRAWINGS BY JOHN LA FARGE