What does Titanium Dioxide do for skin?

Titanium Dioxide is a sunscreen used in K-beauty for Physical UV filter, strong UVB + shorter UVA, Non-irritating, Photostable. Zinc's quieter cousin. Great UVB block, weaker on long-UVA — so it almost always travels in pairs.

Is Titanium Dioxide safe during pregnancy?

There is limited safety data on Titanium Dioxide during pregnancy. Exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider before use.

What skin types is Titanium Dioxide best for?

Titanium Dioxide is particularly well-suited to sensitive, acne-prone skin.

What ingredients pair well with Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium Dioxide layers well with zinc oxide, niacinamide. These combinations are common in K-beauty routines and have no known negative interactions.

How strong is the evidence for Titanium Dioxide?

We rate the clinical evidence for Titanium Dioxide at 5/5 — very strong. Commonly 2–15% in sunscreens. Always paired with zinc oxide for full UVA coverage.

SunscreenWell-Known

Titanium Dioxide

Also known as: TiO2, Titanium Dioxide (Nano)

5/5— Very Strong Evidence

Medically reviewed by ChokChok · Updated April 15, 2026

Zinc's quieter cousin. Great UVB block, weaker on long-UVA — so it almost always travels in pairs.

What It Does

Physical UV filter, strong UVB + shorter UVANon-irritatingPhotostable

Deep Dive

Titanium dioxide is the other mineral UV filter. It is extremely effective at blocking UVB and short-UVA radiation, but falls off in the long-UVA range (340–400 nm) — which is why virtually every modern mineral sunscreen pairs it with zinc oxide rather than using it alone. It is non-irritating, photostable (does not degrade in sunlight), and the filter of choice for acne-prone skin because it is comedogenic-neutral. The white cast is slightly less severe than pure zinc but still present at high concentrations. Coated grades prevent the photo-catalytic reactivity that can otherwise generate free radicals on skin.