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Titanium Dioxide

Explained

Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.

It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.

UV benefits

Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.

While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.

A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).

Skincare benefits

Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.

A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.

Nano-size

To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.

There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.

There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.

Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.

Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.

Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).

Other things to note

You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.

See all 7,331 products with Titanium Dioxide

Comedogenic Rating
0
Irritancy Rating
0
Users who like it
65%
Users who avoid it
35%

What it does

Cosmetic Colorant Agents that add color to a product
UV Absorber An agent that absorbs uv rays
UV Filter An agent that filters out certain uv rays

Alternative names

Titanium
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Prevalence

Somewhat common Percentage of products that contain it
7.7%
Top categories
Makeup
Sunscreens
Moisturizers
Position Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration Concentrations we've seen
1% to 175%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 38617
INCI Name TITANIUM DIOXIDE
INN Name titanium dioxide
EC #  236-675-5
Ph. Eur. Name titanii dioxidum
All Functions Cosmetic Colorant, Opa CI Fying, UV Absorber, UV Filter