The ingredient, explained

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide has direct human measurements of UV attenuation.

UV filterOpacifyingUv absorber

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Titanium dioxide -CI 77891-

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

UV filter: Filters some UV radiation. The ingredient label does not establish a finished product's SPF or UVA protection.
Opacifying: Makes a product less transparent.
Uv absorber: Protects the formulation against UV light. This role is distinct from a skin-protecting UV filter.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical research

The measured long-wave UVA protection between 340 and 380 nm was lower with titanium dioxide than with zinc oxide.

What this does not tell us

The endpoint was instrumental UV attenuation for microfine preparations; particle size and formulation matter, and cancer prevention was not tested.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 10759815 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of supplied local candidates (148 candidate records), selective exact-name title/abstract screening, and targeted indexed primary-source searches. Not a systematic review or a claim of exhaustive coverage.