Titanium Dioxide in Sunscreen: What It Is and Safety
Titanium dioxide is a white mineral used as a sunscreen filter and as a pigment. It sits on the skin's surface to block and scatter UV, and it is one of the two mineral filters, alongside zinc oxide.
TL;DR
- What it is: a mineral UV filter, also used as a white pigment.
- How it works: it sits on the surface and blocks and scatters UV.
- Versus zinc oxide: titanium dioxide is generally stronger against UVB, and zinc oxide covers more of the UVA range.
- Nano versus non-nano: nano means particles under 100 nanometres, and it is the main safety question people ask.
- On the label: look for titanium dioxide, or CI 77891 in makeup.
- Our position: we don't currently use it.
What is titanium dioxide in skincare?
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is purified and ground into a fine white powder. In skincare it is used as a physical sunscreen filter and as a whitening pigment.
As a filter, it works mostly by sitting on the skin's surface and reflecting or scattering UV rather than being absorbed into it.
Is titanium dioxide safe in sunscreen?
Titanium dioxide is a permitted sunscreen ingredient in Australia and is widely used as a mineral filter. In Australia, sunscreens that make an SPF claim are regulated by the TGA as therapeutic goods.
Most safety questions are about nano-sized particles and whether they can pass through skin. The TGA has published a literature review on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens, and it is the best place to read the assessment.
Breathing in fine powder is a separate issue from skin contact. Avoid inhaling spray or powder sunscreens, and spray onto your hands before applying to the face.
What does nano titanium dioxide mean?
Nano titanium dioxide means the particles are smaller than 100 nanometres. Smaller particles leave less of a white cast, which is why many modern mineral sunscreens use them.
Non-nano versions use larger particles and can look chalkier on the skin. Whether a product uses nano or non-nano particles is up to the brand, so check the pack or ask the maker.
How does titanium dioxide compare with zinc oxide?
| Filter | Type | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium dioxide | Mineral | Strong against UVB, often paired with zinc oxide |
| Zinc oxide | Mineral | Covers more of the UVA range |
| Avobenzone | Chemical | A UVA filter that absorbs UV |
For the other mineral filter, read our guide to zinc oxide, or take the skin quiz to build the rest of your routine.
How do you spot titanium dioxide on a label?
On a sunscreen it appears under active ingredients as titanium dioxide. In makeup it is often listed as CI 77891, its colour index name.
You may see coatings after it, such as alumina, silica or triethoxycaprylylsilane. These help the particles disperse evenly and are normal.
A sunscreen label might read: Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. A sunscreen alone does not give full protection, so pair it with shade and clothing.
Who should skip titanium dioxide or go slow?
Skip spray and loose powder formats if you have asthma or sensitive airways, and choose a cream or lotion instead. Choose a different sunscreen if the white cast bothers you enough that you skip applying it.
Patch test a new sunscreen on your inner arm first. Our patch testing guide walks through how.
Do we use titanium dioxide at Dope Skin Co?
We don't currently use titanium dioxide, and it is not in any of our formulas.
FAQ
Is titanium dioxide a chemical or a mineral sunscreen?
It is a mineral filter. It is an inorganic compound rather than an organic molecule that absorbs UV.
Does titanium dioxide cause a white cast?
It can, especially in non-nano or high-level formulas. Tinted and nano versions look less white.
Is titanium dioxide the same as zinc oxide?
No. They are two different minerals that are often used together because they cover different parts of the UV range.
