how to use titanium dioxide in soap

Pigments and oxides are among the most popular colorant options for cold process soaps. They do not bleed and do not change in the high pH environment of freshly poured soap. Oxides come in many different colors and are easily mixed to create unique colors. One of the most common colorants is titanium dioxide, which gives soap its white color. It is often used to turn soaps from cream to white or to lighten other colors. A naturally opaque white pigment, titanium dioxide is used in a variety of applications including paints, cosmetics, and foods. Minerals are treated to remove impurities, creating a pure white color. Titanium dioxide found at Bramble Berry is both soluble in oil and in water, making it a great choice for cold-process soaps. Titanium dioxide is commonly used in commercial sunscreen products because of its ability to absorb UV rays.Titanium dioxide is considered a safe colorant with no side effects in cosmetic applications and is FDA approved. Even so, titanium dioxide is a source of some controversy. The main source of controversy comes from a study by Lee, Trochimowicz & Reinheardt (1985). In this study, rats were exposed to large amounts of titanium dioxide dust for six hours a day, five days a week for two years. These mice showed a slight increase in lung tumors and other respiratory problems including pneumonia and tracheitis. The results of this study have led some to rate titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen. The study summary concludes that the results of this study may not be relevant to humans: Read more: How to wire a double breaker to a 10-2 wire “Lung tumors are different from cancers Common human lung in terms of tumor type, anatomical location, tumor mass and absence of tumor metastasis. Therefore, the biological relevance of these lung tumors and other lung lesions in humans is insignificant. “The potential side effects of titanium dioxide are on the MSDS and it is stated that skin contact with titanium dioxide is mostly harmless. It also states that it is not believed to be absorbed through intact skin. MSDS notes that it can be harmful if inhaled and can irritate the respiratory tract. There is a type of titanium dioxide that should be avoided in small batch cosmetics. Like many other mineral pigments, titanium dioxide comes in a variety of sizes and grades. The measurement of mineral pigment particles includes coarse, fine and ultrafine. Ultrafine pigment particles are also known as nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are measured below 0.01 micrometer or 100 nanometer. In a study by Kumazawa et. al (2002), evidence demonstrates that the danger to skin cells depends on the size of the titanium dioxide particles. Nanoparticle titanium dioxide can penetrate cells by skin contact (although that is still under discussion). The health risks of nanoparticles are largely unknown and depend on the completion of studies by the FDA and other agencies. The titanium dioxide sold at Bramble Berry is not a nanoparticle. To use titanium dioxide in cold-process soap, we recommend dispersing it in a light liquid oil at the rate of 1 tsp. coloring agent up to 1 tbsp. oil. Because titanium dioxide is a fairly large pigment, use a mini mixer to help remove any clumping. Some diapers choose to shred their titanium dioxide by using a coffee grinder to break up any large colored clumps. This is an optional step, but it helps prevent white streaks from appearing in the final soap. Because Bramble Berry titanium dioxide is soluble in water and oil, you can also disperse it in distilled water. Just be aware that titanium dioxide has a tendency to form rivers of glycerin, and dispersing it in water can increase the likelihood of disease. Titan Glycerin rivers are caused by the coagulation of glycerin in soap, creating clusters or “rivers” of glycerin. Above, you can see an example of a river of glycerin in soap colored titanium dioxide. Glycerin begins to coagulate when the soap is too hot. To prevent glycerin rivers, consider lowering your soap temperature by 10 degrees. Reducing the amount of water in your formula can also prevent glycerin from flowing, which is why dispersing titanium dioxide in water can promote glycerin to coagulate. Click here to read more about glycerin rivers and how to prevent them. Read more: how to make beaded braceletsTitanium dioxide used in many cold process projects. In All Black, White, and Gold Cold Treat Soap, titanium dioxide gives the bottom layer a bright white that really stands out from the black. A similar design is also found in the Lemon and Poppy Seed Cold Process, which has layers of cheerful yellow and white soap. Titanium dioxide is also very useful for lightening different colors to create shades. A great example of this is in the Smoky Bay Cold Treat Soap, which uses titanium dioxide to create various shades of gray.Left to right, clockwise: Black, White and Yellow Cold Process Soap, Lemon and Poppy Seed Cold Process Soap, Smoky Bay Cold Process Soap To melt and pour soap, Block Color Titanium Dioxide mixes into soap easily and smoothly. You can also use White Liquid Color, which is titanium dioxide evenly dispersed in glycerin. Titanium dioxide is safe for both lips and eyes, which means you can use it in your lip balm and eye shadow formulas. In the instructions for using Honey Kisses Lipstick and Soft and Creamy Blush Stick, a small amount of titanium dioxide gives the product a more opaque quality.From left to right: Honey Kisses Lipstick, Creamy and Soft BlushWhat is your favorite way to use titanium dioxide? I always have it on hand for my cold recipes!Read more: how to get a standing dirt bike