Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe?

Is Titanium Dioxide Safe?

Well, that depends.

"According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulated doses of titanium dioxide are not harmful, but this also varies based on use," Dr. Gohar says.

Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. For example, when the substance is applied via sunscreen, sufficient data have found titanium dioxide to be "generally recognized as safe and effective," per the FDA.

Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding.

But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says.

When inhaled repeatedly, this white powder can irritate the lungs, causing problems like bronchitis or even lung cancer, as it's been shown to be a known carcinogen in animals, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit for hours at a time in the vagina?

That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says.

How Can You Tell if Your Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide?

"Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says.

But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains.

Should You Stop Using Tampons Containing Titanium Dioxide?

"Again, the data is inconclusive on whether these products are really linked to excessive bleeding, cancer and infertility, so it's not right or wrong to continue using these products based on currently available information," Dr. Gohar says.

Bottom line: "When it comes to period products, the priority should be using products that you feel comfortable with and are accessible to you," he says.

"So, if titanium dioxide is giving you anxiety that you just can't shake," there are plenty of period care products and trustworthy tampon brands you can try without the chemical, Dr. Gohar says.

Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products