Titanium dioxide-free lipstick: why Le Rouge Français made this choice

Titanium dioxide has been banned from our food since 2022. Yet it remains present in almost every lipstick on the market. At Le Rouge Français, all our lipsticks are formulated without titanium dioxide and colored with plant-derived pigments. An approach recognized in 2026, when our 010. Rouge Français received the Media's Choice Award at the European Natural Beauty Awards.

At a glance:

• Titanium dioxide (CI 77891, formerly E171) has been banned from food in Europe since 2022 but remains authorized in lipsticks.

• All Le Rouge Français lipsticks are formulated without titanium dioxide.

• Their color comes from natural pigments, such as madder grown in France.

• The 010. Rouge Français received the Media's Choice Award at the 2026 European Natural Beauty Awards.

Titanium dioxide: banned from food, still permitted in lipsticks

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white mineral pigment. On cosmetic ingredient lists, it appears as CI 77891; in food, it was known as E171. In lipstick, it "helps give color its intensity and vibrancy [...] and acts as a white base," explains Élodie Carpentier, founder of Le Rouge Français.

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that E171 could no longer be considered safe, as the risk of genotoxicity could not be ruled out. It has been banned from food in Europe since 2022.

In cosmetics, however, CI 77891 remains authorized, including in lipsticks. Restrictions primarily address inhalation risks: certain forms of titanium dioxide, including nanoparticles and fine powders, are restricted in products that may be inhaled, such as sprays, while concentration limits apply to loose face powders. Lipsticks are not subject to these specific restrictions.

This is the contradiction highlighted by Élodie Carpentier in an interview with Au Féminin:

" Titanium dioxide, banned from food, is present in almost every lipstick on the market."

Lipstick is applied directly to the lips, meaning that small amounts of the product may be ingested while eating or drinking. And an organic certification alone does not guarantee its absence, as titanium dioxide is a mineral ingredient permitted in certified organic cosmetics.

How Le Rouge Français formulates without titanium dioxide

Le Rouge Français, a French makeup brand specializing in plant-based pigments, was born from a personal question raised by its founder, Élodie Carpentier.

"When I was pregnant, [...] I started questioning what I was putting on my skin [...] and I no longer wanted to compromise between my health and beauty," she explains to Au Féminin.

To eliminate titanium dioxide from its formulas, the brand turned to botanical dye plants. It extracts color from more than 250 plants using supercritical CO2 extraction technology and has filed more than 12 patents.

To achieve vibrant color intensity, these botanical pigments are combined with minerals such as zinc oxide. The objective is to preserve color payoff, long-lasting wear, and texture.

Madder root, a plant-based pigment grown in France

The 010. Rouge Français gets its color from madder root (Rubia tinctorum), grown notably in Charente-Maritime, France.

Used since ancient times to dye fabrics, its roots produce a deep, almost carmine red. Combined with indigo, sappanwood, and dragon's blood, it creates a sophisticated spectrum of color, from vibrant red to deep pink.

The formula is enriched with oils, shea butter, and plant-based waxes, including rice bran wax as an alternative to beeswax. It contains 100% naturally derived ingredients, is 84.55% organic, and is vegan.

The 010. Rouge Français, awarded at the 2026 European Natural Beauty Awards

In 2026, the 010. Rouge Français received the Media's Choice Award at the European Natural Beauty Awards. It was also awarded the Excellence label by the same organization.

This sophisticated cherry-pink shade reveals subtle notes of raspberry, morello cherry, and red grape.

Its creamy texture combines the comfort of a balm with a satin finish and long-lasting color. Rated 4.9/5 by our customers, it is available for €45 in a refillable case.

To enhance its staying power, gently exfoliate your lips with the 601. Apollon Lip Scrub, then moisturize them with the 050. Nordgrøn Lip Care Balm, enriched with hyaluronic acid.

How to identify a lipstick without titanium dioxide

Check the ingredient list for CI 77891, including under the "+/-" or "may contain" section.

If it is absent, the formula does not contain titanium dioxide. In the ingredient list of the 010. Rouge Français, no CI color codes appear: the pigments are listed under their botanical names, such as "Rubia tinctorum root extract" for madder root.

Conclusion

Titanium dioxide may have disappeared from our food, but it remains present in many makeup bags.

All Le Rouge Français lipsticks are formulated without titanium dioxide, colored with plant-derived pigments, and enriched with nourishing ingredients.

Discover our award-winning 010. Rouge Français, or explore our complete collection of titanium dioxide-free lipsticks.