Titanium Dioxide

酸化チタン

What It Does

A mineral UV filter that primarily blocks UVB rays. Often combined with zinc oxide for more complete protection.

Titanium dioxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter that primarily protects against UVB rays, with some UVA2 protection but limited UVA1 protection. Like zinc oxide, it sits on the skin surface and physically blocks, reflects, and scatters UV radiation. It is very stable, safe, and non-irritating.

Titanium dioxide has been used in sunscreens for decades and is approved for use on sensitive skin and babies. Modern formulations use micronized or nano particles to reduce the white cast associated with older formulas. It is often combined with other UV filters to provide broad-spectrum protection, since titanium dioxide alone does not adequately cover the full UVA spectrum.

Japanese sunscreens frequently use titanium dioxide in combination with chemical filters and zinc oxide to achieve high SPF50+ and PA++++ ratings. The focus is on creating lightweight, cosmetically elegant formulations that provide maximum protection without heavy texture or white cast.

How It Works

Mineral particles sit on skin surface and physically block, reflect, and scatter UV radiation, primarily UVB and some UVA2. Provides immediate protection.