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Everything You Need to Know
Key Takeaway
- Titanium dioxide is a natural ingredient commonly found in mineral sunscreens.
- Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide offer broad-spectrum protection and are ideal for those with sensitive skin. However, unlike chemical formulas, they do leave a white cast.
Like any good skincare enthusiast, I’m serious about my SPF. As recommended by dermatologists, I apply it as part of my morning routine, and my preferred products often contain titanium dioxide. The mineral sunscreen ingredient not only provides broad-spectrum protection, but also helps blur pores in the process. Intrigued but unfamiliar? To help break down everything you need to know about titanium dioxide—including how it’s used, who it’s best for, and potential drawbacks—we tapped board-certified dermatologists Anetta Reszko, MD, and Connie Yang, MD. Read on for a deep dive into titanium dioxide.
Meet the Experts
- Anetta Reszko, MD, is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, an assistant attending dermatologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and Rye, New York.
- Connie Yang, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank in New York City.
What Is Titanium Dioxide?
Titanium dioxide is “a naturally occurring oxide of titanium. It is a brilliant white powder and is commonly used as a whitening or brightening agent,” explains Reszko. “It also has excellent opacity, meaning it can effectively block light,” she adds.
This makes titanium oxide great for UV protection products, specifically mineral sunscreens (where it’s used alongside zinc oxide) and hybrid formulations. “Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two main types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can damage the skin,” Reszko explains.”
Benefits
Digging into those sun protection benefits, “titanium dioxide is very stable upon exposure to UVA, UVB, and visible sunlight, meaning it doesn’t break down or lose its effectiveness as quickly as chemical sunscreens do,” Reszko explains. “This makes it a good option for prolonged sun exposure.
Along with the broad-spectrum protection benefits, titanium dioxide can “help absorb oil, which can be beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin,” Yang tells us. Reszko says there are cosmetic benefits, too: “Titanium dioxide… can help even out skin tone in some formulations. It also acts as a light-diffusing agent, reducing the appearance of imperfections and giving a smoother finish.”
Who Can Use It?
Titanium dioxide is “usually safe for use on most skin types, including sensitive skin and skin prone to irritation or acne,” Reszko tells us. “It doesn’t penetrate the skin, making it less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions (versus chemical sunscreens that can trigger skin sensitivities).” Yang says it’s even “suitable for those with rosacea and eczema.”
Should I Use It?
The short answer: It depends on your needs. Given the efficacy and safety, one might wonder if titanium dioxide is the best SPF ingredient of them all. But ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear. While mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be the better choice for those with sensitive skin—and titanium dioxide has those added benefits of helping mattify oil and create a more even skin tone—Yang says that chemical sunscreens “tend to come in more elegant formulations that do not leave a noticeable white cast.” Conversely, while chemical sunscreens banish the dreaded white cast associated with mineral formulas, they “can be irritating for those with sensitive skin,” says Yang.