防晒
Titanium Dioxide
INCI: CI 77891 · TiO2
The Chinese name for Titanium Dioxide is 二氧化钛 (pinyin: èr yǎng huà tài). In Taiwan and Hong Kong it is commonly written 二氧化鈦. Also known as 钛白粉.
Quick Facts
- Chinese
- 二氧化钛 (èr yǎng huà tài)
- English
- Titanium Dioxide
- Traditional (TW/HK)
- 二氧化鈦
- Also known as
- 钛白粉
- INCI
- Titanium Dioxide
- Category
- 防晒
- Effective %
- 5% – 15%
- Pregnancy
- Generally OK
Titanium dioxide is a workhorse mineral (physical) UV filter: it reflects and scatters UV instead of needing to absorb into skin. Stable, gentle, and unlikely to trigger inflammation, it's the go-to filter for sensitive skin, pregnancy, and acne-prone users — and protection starts the moment you apply it.
Key benefits
- Physical filtering — reflects both UVA and UVB, effective on application with no skin absorption needed — strong evidence
- Relatively safe for sensitive skin, steroid-damaged skin, and pregnancy; rarely irritates or sensitizes — strong evidence
- White pigment gives a subtle brightening effect, useful on dull skin tones — anecdotal
- Highly stable — doesn't break down in sunlight, so protection stays reliable — strong evidence
- Transparent dosing in formulas, typically 5–15%, so you can gauge the protection level — limited evidence
Good for
- People who need safe sun protection during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Fragile skin types: sensitive, acne-prone, or steroid-damaged
- Anyone wanting a brightening, antioxidant-friendly option
- Cautious users who don't want any absorption risk from their sunscreen
Use with caution
- You strongly mind white cast or a heavy feel — sub-nano particles help, but it can still read white on skin
- Skin has open wounds or extreme inflammatory sensitivity — stabilize the barrier first
- Some high-concentration formulas can feel greasy or congesting — test before committing
Pairing notes
✓ Pairs well with
✕ Avoid mixing with
Frequently asked
What is Titanium Dioxide in Chinese?
Titanium dioxide is 二氧化钛 (èr yǎng huà tài) in Chinese, written 二氧化鈦 in Traditional Chinese (Taiwan); on labels it also appears as 钛白粉 or CI 77891. It's a mineral UV filter that protects skin by reflecting and scattering UV rays.
How does titanium dioxide differ from chemical sunscreens?
Titanium dioxide is a physical filter — it reflects and scatters UV and protects the moment it's applied, no absorption required. Chemical filters must absorb into skin and convert UV energy there, so they take longer to kick in. Sensitive skin usually does better with physical filters.
Why does titanium dioxide sunscreen leave a white cast?
It's a white pigment — applied thickly or at high concentrations, it forms a visible white film on skin. Many modern products use nano-scale particles or adjusted formulas to reduce this, but not every product eliminates it completely.
Can pregnant women use titanium dioxide?
Yes. It doesn't enter the bloodstream, and while nanoparticles are debated, current regulation and a large body of research consider it safe in pregnancy. Pregnant users are exactly who mineral titanium dioxide sunscreens are recommended for — ahead of chemical filters.
Do I still need to reapply a titanium dioxide sunscreen?
Yes. Physical filters don't degrade in sunlight, but they wear off with sebum, sweat, and friction. Reapply every 2–3 hours, especially during outdoor activity or after sweating.
Does titanium dioxide clog pores?
High-concentration, oily formulas can feel congesting or heavy, but titanium dioxide itself is a surface-level physical barrier that doesn't sink into pores. The problem is usually the overall formula — pick a lighter sunscreen or make sure you cleanse it off properly.
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Educational reference only — results vary by person; see a doctor for serious skin issues.