Titanium dioxide

Mineral UV filter2–10%

A mineral filter strong in UVB and short UVA, usually paired with zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens.

What it is

Titanium dioxide is a white mineral powder that absorbs UVB and shorter UVA rays efficiently. It lifts SPF in mineral and hybrid sunscreens, while zinc oxide covers the longer UVA it misses. It is gentle on skin, though it can look white or slightly blue-grey at higher levels.

Good for

High SPFUVB protectionMineral sun protectionSensitive skin

How it works

Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide particles mainly absorb UV and turn it into heat, with only a small share scattered. Smaller particles look more transparent but shift protection further towards UVB.

Ratings

Evidence

5/5

Long track record, with its contribution measured in SPF testing.

Gentleness

5/5

Very low irritation and no significant uptake through intact skin.

Formulation difficulty

4/5

Needs coated grades, good dispersion and control of white cast.

Cost

2/5

Inexpensive raw material, though dispersions cost more.

Popularity

3/5

Usually paired with zinc oxide, though some brands now go zinc-only.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

Uncoated grades with light-sensitive ingredientsGenerate free radicals in light

Formulations it suits

Cream Lotion Sun stick Balm

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	Permitted up to 25% as a sunscreen active, and separately as a colour. As with zinc oxide, nano grades are allowed and labels need not state particle size.
European Union	Annex VI allows 25% in total; nano grades must meet set purity and coating specs and cannot be used where they could be inhaled. Fine powder grades have extra limits under Annex III.
United States	One of two long-standing filters the FDA has proposed as safe and effective (GRASE), at up to 25%; the FDA added bemotrizinol to the monograph in June 2026. US sunscreens are OTC drugs with a Drug Facts label.
Canada	A sunscreen whose only actives are titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, each up to 25%, is a natural health product needing an NPN; adding any organic filter makes it a drug needing a DIN.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

2–10%0525%

pH window

pH 5–82 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

ParticulateOil-dispersibleWater-dispersible

2–10% adds UVB and short-UVA cover, usually alongside zinc oxide or organic filters. Higher levels raise SPF but also white cast.

INCI	Titanium Dioxide
Also known as	TiO2, CI 77891 (when used as a colour)
Origin	mineral

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Disperse in the oil or water phase, choosing an oil- or water-dispersible grade, as it is insoluble.

Stability

Use an alumina-, silica- or silicone-treated grade, since uncoated grades are photocatalytic. Check agglomeration, viscosity and greying through stability testing.

Regulatory, Australia

Permitted sunscreen active up to 25%, and also permitted as a colour (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026). Primary sunscreens and moisturisers above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, generally ARTG-listed (AUST L), tested to AS/NZS 2604 and labelled with approved names and set warnings.

Claims to take care with

Use only TGA-permitted indications, such as 'SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection', and skin-cancer, sunspot or solar keratosis claims need broad spectrum SPF 30 or more. Avoid 'chemical-free', and 'non-nano' must match supplier particle-size data.