An inorganic particulate ingredient used as a UV filter or white pigment, depending on its grade and product role.
Sources: 1, 2, 3TiO2, CI 77891
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Titanium Dioxide
What it does
A suitable sunscreen grade contributes UV protection in a tested formula; a pigment's presence alone does not establish sunscreen efficacy.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Good for
- UV protection in tested sunscreens
- Pigment and opacity in appropriate grades
How to use it
Apply and reapply the finished sunscreen according to its label. Protection depends on sufficient application and other sun-protection measures.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Who should be careful
Avoid inhaling powders or sprays. A dermal-use assessment does not establish safety for inhalation or ingestion; select a tolerated finished sunscreen.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Particles attenuate ultraviolet radiation through absorption and scattering. It is misleading to describe mineral sunscreens as working only by reflecting light.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Potential adverse effects
Some users experience irritation, contact allergy or eye stinging; select a tolerated finished sunscreen rather than abandoning sun protection.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Formulation considerations
Crystal form, particle size, coating, dispersion and aggregation affect performance and exposure. Nano and non-nano grades and inhalable formats require separate consideration.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1, 2, 3Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
Names on ingredient lists
titanium dioxide
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
No single structure to show yet
A reviewed, unambiguous PubChem compound identifier is needed before a molecular diagram can be displayed.
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| material scope | TiO2 describes an extended inorganic solid, not an isolated molecule. Crystal form, particle size and coating cannot be represented by a generic small-molecule bond image. | FDA: Questions and answers on over-the-counter sunscreen regulation |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (3)
Scientific sources
- FDA: Questions and answers on over-the-counter sunscreen regulationregulatory guidance
- FDA: Sunscreen use, labeling and protectionregulatory guidance
- SCCS: Scientific advice on titanium dioxidescientific advice · 2024
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