Titanium Dioxide: does it work, and at what %?

Titanium Dioxide is one of the actives we grade on evidence, not marketing. The benefit is real — but only when the dose clears the threshold the research supports. Here's the number, and the products that actually hit it.

5% effective dose · 15% strong

The verdict: Titanium Dioxide is an inorganic UV filter effective mainly against UVB and shorter UVA; studies show meaningful protection from about 5%, and formulations typically use 5-20% (FDA GRASE up to 25%).

How we grade Titanium Dioxide

We check the disclosed concentration against the effective threshold from peer-reviewed dermatology literature and regulatory monographs, then weigh the formulation and any product-specific study. The grade is computed from the open rubric — re-run it on any ingredient list and you get the same letter. Also labeled as TiO2.

Products with a disclosed effective dose

We haven't yet graded a product that discloses an effective dose of Titanium Dioxide — most brands won't publish the concentration. As brands disclose (or get Verified), graded products will appear here. Browse the full index →

Common questions

What concentration of Titanium Dioxide is effective?

On Visage Theory's rubric, Titanium Dioxide reaches an effective dose at 5% and a strong, research-backed dose at 15%. Below that, the labeled benefit is unlikely no matter how good the marketing is.

Is more Titanium Dioxide always better?

Not necessarily — past the effective range you mostly add irritation risk, not benefit. What matters is clearing the threshold in a stable formula, which is exactly what our grade checks.

How do I know a product actually contains an effective dose of Titanium Dioxide?

Most brands list the active but hide the concentration. When the dose isn't disclosed we can't confirm efficacy, so we withhold a grade rather than guess. Products that disclose an effective dose are graded and listed below.

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