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Titanium Dioxide

What Titanium Dioxide is & what it does

A mineral filter strong in the UVB and short-UVA range, working mostly by scattering and absorbing light at the skin's surface. Very well tolerated and popular in sensitive-skin and children's formulas, though it can leave a white cast depending on particle size.

What does Titanium Dioxide do in sunscreen?

Titanium dioxide is a mineral (physical) UV filter. It protects mainly across UVB and short UVA by absorbing and scattering UV light, and it is gentle enough to be common in sensitive-skin and baby sunscreens.

Is Titanium Dioxide safe?

Yes, on skin. Topical titanium dioxide sits on the surface and is not meaningfully absorbed, and it is one of the two filters the US FDA recognises as generally safe and effective. Concerns about the powder relate to inhaling loose particles, which is a consideration for sprays, not creams.

Does Titanium Dioxide leave a white cast?

It can. Like all mineral filters it is naturally white, so it may leave a pale tint, especially on deeper skin tones. Micronised or coated grades and tinted formulas reduce this.

Is Titanium Dioxide natural?

The mineral occurs in nature, but the titanium dioxide used in sunscreen is purified and processed into a fine, coated powder for safety and performance. So it is a nature-based mineral refined for cosmetic use, not scooped raw from the ground.

Is Titanium Dioxide safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes, titanium dioxide is, like zinc oxide, one of the mineral filters most often recommended during pregnancy. It stays on the surface and is barely absorbed, so it is a common pick for people who want extra peace of mind while pregnant. Your doctor or midwife can confirm what is right for you.

Sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide

We rate 3306 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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