When deposited as a thin film, its refractive index and colour make it an excellent reflective optical coating for

dielectric mirrors;
it is also used in generating decorative thin films such as found in "mystic fire topaz".
Some grades of modified titanium based pigments as used in sparkly paints, plastics, finishes and cosmetics – these are man-
made pigments whose particles have two or more layers of various oxides – often titanium dioxide, iron oxide or alumina – in or-
der to have glittering, iridescent and or pearlescent effects similar to crushed mica or guanine-based products. In addition to
these effects a limited colour change is possible in certain formulations depending on how and at which angle the finished prod-
uct is illuminated and the thickness of the oxide layer in the pigment particle; one or more colours appear by reflection while the
other tones appear due to interference of the transparent titanium dioxide layers.[42] In some products, the layer of titanium diox-
ide is grown in conjunction with iron oxide by calcination of titanium salts (sulfates, chlorates) around 800 °C[43] One example of a
pearlescent pigment is Iriodin, based on mica coated with titanium dioxide or iron (III) oxide.[44]
The iridescent effect in these titanium oxide particles is unlike the opaque effect obtained with usual ground titanium oxide pig-
ment obtained by mining, in which case only a certain diameter of the particle is considered and the effect is due only to scatter-
ing.

Sunscreen and UV blocking pigments[edit]

In cosmetic and skin care products, titanium dioxide is used as a pigment, sunscreen and a thickener. As a sunscreen, ultrafine
TiO2 is used, which is notable in that combined with ultrafine zinc oxide, it is considered to be an effective sunscreen that lowers
the incidence of sun burns and minimizes the premature photoaging, photocarcinogenesis and immunosuppression associated
with long term excess sun exposure.[45] Sometimes these UV blockers are combined with iron oxide pigments in sunscreen to in-
crease visible light protection.[46]
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are generally considered to be less harmful to coral reefs than sunscreens that include chemi-
cals such as oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate.[47]
Nanosized titanium dioxide is found in the majority of physical sunscreens because of its strong UV light absorbing capabilities
and its resistance to discolouration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin
from ultraviolet light. Nano-scaled (particle size of 20–40 nm)[48] titanium dioxide particles are primarily used in sunscreen lotion
because they scatter visible light much less than titanium dioxide pigments, and can give UV protection.[39] Sunscreens designed
for infants or people with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are
believed to cause less skin irritation than other UV absorbing chemicals. Nano-TiO2 blocks both UV-A and UV-B radiation, which
is used in sunscreens and other cosmetic products. It is safe to use and it is better to environment than organic UV-absorbers.[49]
The risk assessment of different titanium dioxide nanomaterials in sunscreen is currently evolving as nano-sized TiO2 is different
from the well-known micronized form.[50] The rutile form is generally used in cosmetic and sunscreen products due to it not pos-
sessing any observed ability to damage the skin under normal conditions[51] and having a higher UV absorption.[52] In 2016 Scien-
tific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) tests concluded that the use of nano titanium dioxide (95–100% rutile, ≦5%
anatase) as a UV filter can be considered to not pose any risk of adverse effects in humans post-application on healthy skin,
[53]
except in the case the application method would lead to substantial risk of inhalation (ie; powder or spray formulations). This
safety opinion applied to nano TiO2 in concentrations of up to 25%.[54]
Initial studies indicated that nano-TiO2 particles could penetrate the skin causing concern over the use of nano-TiO2. These stud-
ies were later refuted, when it was discovered that the testing methodology couldn't differentiate between penetrated particles
and particles simply trapped in hair follicles and that having a diseased or physically damaged dermis could be the true cause of
insufficient barrier protection.[50]
SCCS research found that when nanoparticles had certain photostable coatings (eg. alumina, silica, cetyl phos-
phate, triethoxycaprylylsilane, manganese dioxide) the photocatalytic activity was attenuated and no notable skin penetra