Quick Comparison
| Titanium Dioxide | Titanium Dioxide | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Concentration | In sunscreens: 2-15% concentration. Usually combined with zinc oxide. Apply 1/4 teaspoon for face. Reapply every 2 hours. Micronized forms significantly reduce white cast. | In sunscreens: 2-15% concentration. Usually combined with zinc oxide. Apply 1/4 teaspoon for face. Reapply every 2 hours. Micronized forms significantly reduce white cast. |
| Application | Topical (sunscreen, tinted products). Apply liberally. Immediate protection upon application. | Topical (sunscreen, tinted products). Apply liberally. Immediate protection upon application. |
| Research Papers | 10 papers | 10 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) absorbs, scatters, and reflects UV radiation through its semiconductor properties and high refractive index. It provides excellent UVB protection (280–320 nm) and short-wave UVA (UVA-II, 320–340 nm) protection, but exhibits a band-gap that limits efficacy against long-wave UVA (UVA-I, 340–400 nm). This spectral gap is why titanium dioxide is typically combined with zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens for comprehensive coverage. Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is photostable—it does not degrade or isomerize with UV exposure, unlike some organic filters. Micronized and nano forms reduce white cast while maintaining efficacy. Titanium dioxide particles remain on the skin surface and do not penetrate intact stratum corneum. Uncoated nano TiO2 can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under UV; surface coatings (silica, alumina) mitigate this. Clinically, it is well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) absorbs, scatters, and reflects UV radiation through its semiconductor properties and high refractive index. It provides excellent UVB protection (280–320 nm) and short-wave UVA (UVA-II, 320–340 nm) protection, but exhibits a band-gap that limits efficacy against long-wave UVA (UVA-I, 340–400 nm). This spectral gap is why titanium dioxide is typically combined with zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens for comprehensive coverage. Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is photostable—it does not degrade or isomerize with UV exposure, unlike some organic filters. Micronized and nano forms reduce white cast while maintaining efficacy. Titanium dioxide particles remain on the skin surface and do not penetrate intact stratum corneum. Uncoated nano TiO2 can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under UV; surface coatings (silica, alumina) mitigate this. Clinically, it is well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.
Risks & Safety
Titanium Dioxide
Common
White cast (less than zinc oxide). Potential for drying in very dry skin types.
Serious
Same nano-particle debate as zinc oxide — current evidence shows no systemic absorption through intact skin.
Rare
Inhalation concern with spray/powder sunscreens (avoid inhaling).
Titanium Dioxide
Common
White cast (less than zinc oxide). Potential for drying in very dry skin types.
Serious
Same nano-particle debate as zinc oxide — current evidence shows no systemic absorption through intact skin.
Rare
Inhalation concern with spray/powder sunscreens (avoid inhaling).
Full Profiles
Titanium Dioxide →
A mineral sunscreen filter that provides excellent UVB protection but less complete UVA coverage than zinc oxide. Often combined with zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens for comprehensive coverage. Titanium dioxide has a more elegant cosmetic feel than zinc oxide (less white cast, lighter texture) while maintaining the safety advantages of mineral filters.
Titanium Dioxide →
A mineral sunscreen filter that provides excellent UVB protection but less complete UVA coverage than zinc oxide. Often combined with zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens for comprehensive coverage. Titanium dioxide has a more elegant cosmetic feel than zinc oxide (less white cast, lighter texture) while maintaining the safety advantages of mineral filters.