UV filters
Titanium dioxide
Also listed as Titanium dioxide (INCI), TiO2 and CI 77891
Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter that is especially effective against UVB and short-wave UVA. It is also used as a white pigment (CI 77891) in makeup.
What it does
The short version.
Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide mainly absorbs UV and also scatters some light. It protects strongly in the UVB and UVA2 range but less in long-wave UVA1, so it is usually combined with zinc oxide or organic filters for broad-spectrum coverage. Coated, micronized grades reduce whitening and photocatalytic activity.
Strong evidence
Effectiveness is established by SPF testing, and the FDA proposed titanium dioxide as GRASE in 2019; European safety reviews support use on skin but not in sprayable products that could be inhaled.
Reach for it for
Usually a good fit for
How to use it
Getting it right.
Use as part of a broad-spectrum sunscreen applied generously as the final morning step and reapplied every two hours outdoors.
Layering
Friends & frenemies.
Pairs well with
Before you start
Low irritation risk. Can leave a white cast. Avoid inhaling sprays and loose powders containing it; nanoparticles do not meaningfully penetrate healthy skin according to safety reviews.
References
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine (2019), via PubMed
- 2Safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics — Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2019), via PubMed
- 3Questions and Answers: FDA's regulatory actions on over-the-counter sunscreen — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.
No titanium dioxide products reviewed yet.
We add products every week. The guide above still stands — and Beauty Match can find what suits you today.
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