Ti
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium Dioxide · Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) · CI 77891SPF filter
A mineral sunscreen filter that covers UVB and short UVA, so it’s paired with zinc oxide for the rest. Less white cast than zinc.
What it does
Like chemical filters, it mostly absorbs UV instead of bouncing it back, and it leaves less white cast than zinc at the same strength.
The EU’s ingredient database lists it as a UV filter (filters UV rays), a colorant (adds color) and an opacifier (makes the product less see-through).European Commission, CosIng (© European Union, CC BY 4.0) · uses put in plain words by Drop ↗
The evidence, graded
expert consensusSunscreen works best as its own film on top of moisturizer rather than mixed into it in your palm. The SPF on the label was measured on the product as sold, applied at 2 mg/cm². Blend it with something else and there is less sunscreen over the same area, so the label's number no longer describes the film. No study Drop has read measured how far the protection falls.Petersen 2014 · Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine ↗
expert consensusIn 2000 the SCCNFP found titanium dioxide is not absorbed through the skin, found no sensitization, and was of the opinion that it is safe in cosmetic products at up to 25% as a UV filter, whatever the particle size. In 2017 the SCCS considered three coated nano forms safe on healthy, intact or sunburnt skin, but not in powders or sprays that could reach the lungs. In 2018 it found the data insufficient to assess nano titanium dioxide in sprays that could reach the lungs.SCCNFP 2000 · European Commission SCCNFP ↗
emergingTitanium dioxide and zinc oxide have been considered to protect against sunburning UV by physically reflecting or scattering it. Measured with an optical integrating sphere, their average reflection across the UV range was only 4–5%, less than SPF 2. The rest of their UV protection comes from absorbing UV. At longer wavelengths, in long UVA and visible light, they mainly reflect light, up to 60%, and do not absorb it.Cole 2016 · Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
TiO2
Pairs worth knowing
Read more
Reading the evidence · 6 minSunscreen for Aging Concerns: What a 4.5-Year Trial ShowedDaily sunscreen slowed visible skin aging in a 4.5-year randomized trial, rare evidence in skincare. What that trial shows, and what it doesn't.How Drop works · 6 minSunscreen Reapplication: Why Every 2 Hours Actually MattersSunscreen wears off faster than most people realize. What happens in those 2 hours, when reapplication matters most, and how to do it over makeup.
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