Ingredient glossary
Titanium Dioxide
On your shelf ✓What Titanium Dioxide does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Titanium Dioxide · Also: TiO2
In short: Titanium Dioxide delivers uvb uva2 protection, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong.
- What it does
- Uvb uva2 protection
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Only as good as the sunscreen it lives in.
As a single filter, Titanium Dioxide only matters as part of a finished sunscreen you actually reapply. The best SPF is the one that feels good enough to wear every morning.
— Maya
What it does
- uvb uva2 protection
strong evidenceEvidence shows titanium dioxide is an effective, photostable UVB/UVA2 filter with negligible absorption and a long history of safe topical use.
On a label: usually effective at 4-25%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
- sensitive
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- zinc oxide
- other uv filters
Titanium Dioxide, answered
Is Titanium Dioxide safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Titanium Dioxide is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Titanium Dioxide?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Titanium Dioxide. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Titanium Dioxide actually works?
Titanium Dioxide tends to do its job in the 4 to 25% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Can you mix Titanium Dioxide with
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.