The Index · Inorganic UV filter
Titanium dioxide
Titanium Dioxide
Strong UVB and short-UVA mineral filter; extensively reviewed for nano safety.
StrongMultiple RCTs, consistent
Sign in to save and follow
Titanium dioxide is the other mineral UV filter. It is a stronger UVB absorber than zinc oxide but tails off in the UVA1 region, so most mineral sunscreens use both.
Safety
Nano-scale TiO₂ has been reviewed repeatedly; on intact skin the particles stay in the outer stratum corneum[1][2]. As with zinc oxide, the EU's only restriction on the nano form concerns inhalation from sprays[2].
The food-colour debate (E171) concerns oral exposure and does not read across to sunscreen.
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Provides UVB and UVA2 protection[1]
StrongSafety & limits
Source and region, always
25 % · all — Annex VI: permitted to 25 %; nano form not for applications that may lead to inhalation.[2] EU UK
25 % · all — FDA monograph: GRASE at up to 25 %. US
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Smijs TG, Pavel S. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness. Nanotechnology, Science and Applications (2011)doi:10.2147/NSA.S19419
- [2]Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Opinion on titanium dioxide (nano form) (SCCS/1516/13) (2014)regulation
Revision history
16 Sept 2026Entry createdTheSkindex Desk