Comparing Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: Which UV Filter is Right for Your Skincare Line?

We all know that healthy, glowing skin is what everyone’s after these days. One of the biggest secrets to achieving this is protecting the skin from those pesky ultraviolet (UV) rays. Whether it’s preventing premature aging, avoiding painful sunburns, or reducing the risk of skin cancer, effective UV protection is a must in any skincare routine.

This is where our trusty UV filters, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, come into play. As cosmetic formulators, you’re probably already familiar with these powerhouses. But which one is the right fit for your next big product? Let’s dive into the benefits of these mineral UV filters and help you make the best choice for your skincare line. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, let’s take a quick look at what we’re up against: UVA and UVB rays. These are the two main types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun that affect our skin, and understanding their differences is key to formulating effective sun protection.

UVA Rays

• Long-Wave Ultraviolet A (UVA): These rays have a longer wavelength and can penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Effects: UVA rays are notorious for causing premature aging. They break down collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles and loss of skin firmness. They also contribute to tanning, which is actually a sign of skin damage.
• Year-Round Presence: UVA rays are present all year round and can even penetrate through glass, making indoor exposure a concern.

UVB Rays

• Short-Wave Ultraviolet B (UVB): These rays have a shorter wavelength and primarily affect the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).
• Effects: UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburns. They directly damage the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Unlike UVA rays, UVB rays are more intense during certain times of the day and year, particularly in the summer months.
• Sporadic Exposure: UVB exposure is more intermittent but can be more intense during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).

Both types of rays are harmful and contribute to various skin issues, making broad-spectrum protection essential in any skincare product. This is where our heroes, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, step in to save the day.

As cosmetic formulators, you understand that UV protection is a cornerstone of effective skincare. UV filters are crucial in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Here’s why incorporating UV filters in skincare products is non-negotiable:

Protection Against Skin Damage

• Prevention of Sunburn: UVB rays are responsible for sunburns, which can cause immediate discomfort and long-term skin damage. UV filters help prevent these painful burns by blocking or absorbing UVB radiation.
• Combatting Premature Aging: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. UV filters protect against these rays, preserving the skin's youthful appearance.

Reducing Skin Cancer Risk

• DNA Protection: Both UVA and UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and potentially causing skin cancer. By incorporating effective UV filters, skincare products can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Maintaining Even Skin Tone

• Preventing Hyperpigmentation: Exposure to UV rays can lead to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation issues, such as dark spots and melasma. UV filters help maintain a more even complexion by protecting the skin from these damaging effects.

Essential for Sensitive Skin

• Barrier for Sensitive Skin: Individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to irritation and sun damage. Mineral UV filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are gentle and non-irritating, making them ideal for sensitive skin formulations.

Year-Round Protection

• Everyday Necessity: UV radiation affects the skin all year round, not just in the summer. Effective UV filters ensure that skincare products provide necessary protection in all seasons, indoors and outdoors.

Incorporating UV filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in your formulations not only boosts the protective benefits of your products but also meets the growing consumer demand for effective sun care solutions. 

Properties of Titanium Dioxide: The Essential UV Filter

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a powerhouse when it comes to UV protection in skincare. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it a staple ingredient in many sun protection products. Let’s take a closer look at what makes titanium dioxide so effective:

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Titanium dioxide is a white, powdery substance.
• Particle Size: It can be used in both micro and nano forms. Micro-sized particles provide excellent UVB protection, while nano-sized particles are used to reduce the whitening effect on the skin and enhance UVA protection.
• Opacity: Known for its high opacity, titanium dioxide can effectively scatter light, giving it a whitening effect that contributes to its sun-blocking capabilities.

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Stability: Titanium dioxide is chemically stable and does not easily react with other ingredients in formulations, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the product.
• Photostability: It is highly photostable, meaning it does not degrade or lose its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight. This is crucial for maintaining consistent UV protection.
• Non-Reactive: Being inert, titanium dioxide does not cause irritation or allergic reactions, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

UV Protection Mechanism

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Titanium dioxide provides excellent broad-spectrum protection by reflecting, scattering, and absorbing both UVA and UVB rays. This makes it an effective ingredient in preventing sunburn and photoaging.
• Reflective Properties: It reflects UV radiation away from the skin, acting as a physical barrier.

Skin Benefits

• Non-Comedogenic: Titanium dioxide is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
• Gentle on Skin: It is gentle and non-irritating, which is why it is often recommended for sensitive skin and baby products.

Formulation Considerations

• Dispersion: Proper dispersion of titanium dioxide in the formulation is key to ensuring even coverage and optimal UV protection.
• Combination with Other Filters: It is often combined with other UV filters to enhance overall sun protection and improve the aesthetic qualities of the product.

Titanium dioxide’s combination of physical and chemical properties makes it a versatile and effective UV filter. 

MT-01 stands out as a top-tier titanium dioxide ingredient, designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance in skincare formulations. Here’s a detailed look at what makes MT-01 exceptional:

• GMP Quality Assurance: MT-01 is produced under stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This ensures that the product meets rigorous quality control standards, resulting in a high-purity, consistent ingredient that formulators can trust. GMP certification signifies adherence to safety and quality standards, providing peace of mind that MT-01 is reliable and safe for use in cosmetic products.
• Hydrophobic Modification: This grade of titanium dioxide has been hydrophobically modified, which means it has been treated to repel water. This modification enhances its dispersion in oil-based formulations, improving the overall stability and performance of the product. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of MT-01 contributes to water resistance in sunscreens, making it ideal for long-lasting UV protection formulations.
• Rutile Grade Excellence: MT-01 is a rutile grade of titanium dioxide, which is the most stable and durable crystalline form of this mineral. Rutile titanium dioxide provides superior UV protection compared to the anatase form due to its higher refractive index and greater absorption capabilities. This ensures robust defense against both UVA and UVB rays, making it a preferred choice for effective sun protection.
• Photostability: One of the standout features of MT-01 is its excellent photostability. Photostable ingredients do not degrade when exposed to sunlight, ensuring that the UV protection remains effective throughout the product's use. This stability is crucial for maintaining consistent and long-lasting sun protection in skincare formulations.
• Transparency: MT-01 offers remarkable transparency, which addresses one of the common concerns with mineral UV filters—whitening effect on the skin. This grade of titanium dioxide blends seamlessly into formulations, providing UV protection without leaving a visible white cast. This makes it particularly suitable for creating products that deliver a natural finish.

MT-100TV is recognized globally for its exceptional performance as a UV filter in skincare formulations. Let’s dive into what makes MT-100TV a preferred choice for formulators worldwide:

• Global Popularity and Trust: MT-100TV is the most widely used titanium dioxide grade across the globe. Its popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and reliability in providing superior UV protection.
• Hydrophobic Modification: This grade of titanium dioxide is hydrophobically modified, meaning it has been treated to repel water. This modification enhances its compatibility with oil-based formulations, ensuring better dispersion and stability. The hydrophobic nature also contributes to water resistance, making MT-100TV ideal for long-lasting sun protection products.
• Rutile Grade Excellence: MT-100TV is a rutile grade titanium dioxide, which is known for its higher refractive index and better absorption of UV light compared to the anatase form. This ensures more effective broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, enhancing the overall sun protection efficacy of the products it is used in.
• Photostability: One of the key features of MT-100TV is its excellent photostability. This means that the ingredient does not degrade upon exposure to sunlight, maintaining its UV protective properties throughout the product’s use. Photostability is crucial for consistent and long-lasting sun protection.
• Transparency: MT-100TV offers outstanding transparency, which addresses a common issue with mineral UV filters – the whitening effect. Its ability to blend seamlessly into formulations without leaving a white cast makes it an excellent choice for creating products that deliver a natural, invisible finish on the skin.
• SPF Efficacy: MT-100TV is renowned for its high SPF efficacy. Its superior ability to block UV rays enhances the sun protection factor (SPF) of the formulations, providing users with robust defense against sun damage.
• Stearic Acid Coating: The stearic acid coating on MT-100TV makes it particularly suitable for dispersion in esters and hydrocarbon oils. This coating not only improves the ease of formulation but also enhances the stability and texture of the final product.

MT-100WP is another exceptional grade of titanium dioxide, designed to meet the needs of modern skincare formulations. Here’s an in-depth look at the properties that make MT-100WP a standout choice for formulators:

• Excellent Water Dispersibility: MT-100WP is engineered for superior dispersibility in water. This feature simplifies the formulation process, making it easier to incorporate into water-based products without clumping or uneven distribution.
• Compatibility with Carbomer: One of the significant advantages of MT-100WP is its excellent compatibility with carbomer, a common thickening agent used in many cosmetic formulations. This compatibility ensures that MT-100WP can be smoothly integrated into gel-based and other carbomer-thickened products, maintaining stability and consistency.
• GMP Quality Assurance: MT-100WP is produced under stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This certification ensures that the product meets high standards of purity, consistency, and safety, providing formulators with a reliable ingredient for their skincare products.
• Rutile Grade Excellence: MT-100WP is a rutile grade titanium dioxide, known for its superior UV protection and stability compared to the anatase form. The rutile form offers a higher refractive index, enhancing its ability to scatter and absorb UV radiation effectively.
• Aluminum Free Formulation: MT-100WP is aluminum-free, making it an attractive option for formulators looking to avoid aluminum compounds in their products. This feature caters to the growing consumer demand for aluminum-free cosmetics, particularly in sensitive skin and natural product lines.
• High UVA Protection: MT-100WP provides excellent protection against UVA rays, which are known to penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin damage. Its high UVA protection ensures comprehensive sun defense, making it a critical component in broad-spectrum sunscreens.

MT-100Z is a top-tier titanium dioxide grade known for its exceptional UV protection properties. Here’s a detailed look at what makes MT-100Z an excellent choice for formulators:

• GMP Quality Assurance: MT-100Z is manufactured under stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This ensures the product meets high standards of purity, consistency, and safety, providing a reliable ingredient for your skincare formulations.
• Hydrophobic Modification: MT-100Z is hydrophobically modified, meaning it is treated to repel water. This modification enhances its dispersibility in oil-based formulations, ensuring better stability and performance. The hydrophobic nature also contributes to the water resistance of the final product, making it ideal for long-lasting sun protection.
• Rutile Grade Excellence: MT-100Z is a rutile grade of titanium dioxide. The rutile form is preferred for its higher refractive index and superior UV light absorption capabilities compared to the anatase form. This ensures robust protection against both UVA and UVB rays, enhancing the sun protection efficacy of the product.
• Stearic Acid Coating: The stearic acid coating on MT-100Z makes it particularly suitable for dispersion in esters and hydrocarbon oils. This coating not only improves the ease of formulation but also enhances the stability and texture of the final product, resulting in a smoother application.
• High Photostability: MT-100Z features high photostability, meaning it does not degrade when exposed to sunlight. This stability is crucial for maintaining consistent and long-lasting UV protection in skincare products, ensuring that the product remains effective throughout its use.
• SPF Efficacy: MT-100Z is renowned for its excellent SPF efficacy. Its superior ability to block UV rays significantly enhances the sun protection factor (SPF) of formulations, providing robust defense against sun damage.
• Protection from Environmental Stress: MT-100Z offers comprehensive UV protection that shields the skin from environmental stress and damage. This includes protection from UV-induced oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and other skin issues.

MT-500B is a premium grade of titanium dioxide that offers exceptional UV protection properties. Here’s a comprehensive look at what makes MT-500B an outstanding choice for formulators:

• Pure and Non-Coated: MT-500B is a pure, non-coated titanium dioxide. Its uncoated nature makes it an excellent option for formulators who prefer to avoid additional surface treatments. This purity ensures that MT-500B provides natural and robust UV protection without the need for chemical modifiers.
• Rutile Grade Excellence: MT-500B is a rutile grade of titanium dioxide, renowned for its superior UV shielding capabilities. The rutile form of titanium dioxide has a higher refractive index and better UV absorption compared to the anatase form. This makes it particularly effective in providing strong protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• High UVA/UVB Protection: MT-500B excels in shielding the skin from harmful UV radiation. Its properties provide high levels of protection against both UVA and UVB rays:
  • UVA Protection: UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for long-term skin damage, such as premature aging and photoaging. MT-500B effectively blocks these rays, protecting the skin from deep damage.
  • UVB Protection: UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn and direct DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancer. MT-500B provides excellent protection against UVB rays, preventing these harmful effects.

MT-700Z is a top-tier titanium dioxide grade designed to offer exceptional UV-A shielding and formulation flexibility. Here’s a detailed look at what makes MT-700Z an excellent choice for cosmetic formulators:

• GMP Quality Assurance: MT-700Z is produced under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This ensures high standards of purity, consistency, and safety, making it a reliable ingredient for your skincare formulations.
• Excellent Oil Dispersibility: MT-700Z boasts excellent oil dispersibility, making it an ideal ingredient for oil-based formulations. This property ensures uniform distribution of the UV filter within the product, providing consistent protection and a pleasant user experience.
• Rutile Grade Excellence: MT-700Z is a rutile grade of titanium dioxide, known for its superior UV protection and stability compared to the anatase form. The rutile form offers a higher refractive index, enhancing its ability to scatter and absorb UV radiation effectively.
• UVA Shielding Effects: MT-700Z is specifically noted for its excellent UVA shielding properties. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to long-term skin damage such as premature aging and photoaging. MT-700Z effectively blocks these rays, offering robust protection.

MT-N1 represents the forefront of titanium dioxide technology, offering advanced benefits for modern sun protection formulations. Let’s explore the key features that make MT-N1 an exceptional ingredient for cosmetic formulators:

• Next Gen Micronization: MT-N1 is a next-generation, GMP grade, micronized titanium dioxide. The advanced micronization process results in finer particles compared to conventional micronized TiO2, enhancing its performance in sun protection products.
• High Transparency: One of the standout features of MT-N1 is its high transparency. Unlike conventional micronized titanium dioxide, MT-N1 provides superior transparency, reducing the visible whitening effect on the skin. This makes it ideal for formulations where a natural and invisible finish is desired.
• High SPF Efficacy: MT-N1 offers excellent SPF efficacy, meaning it significantly enhances the sun protection factor of formulations. Its ability to block UV rays effectively makes it a crucial component in creating high-performance sun protection products.
• Easily Dispersed in Oil: MT-N1 is designed for easy dispersion in oil-based formulations. This property ensures uniform distribution of the UV filter within the product, leading to consistent UV protection and a smooth application.
• Minimal Visible Whitening: A major advantage of MT-N1 is its ability to minimize visible whitening when applied on the skin. This is particularly important for consumer acceptance, as many users prefer sun protection products that do not leave a white cast.

Properties of Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a widely used mineral in sun protection products due to its unique physical and chemical properties:

• Appearance: Zinc oxide is a white, powdery substance.
• Particle Size: Available in both micro and nano forms, zinc oxide can be used to achieve different levels of transparency and UV protection. Micro-sized particles provide excellent UVB protection, while nano-sized particles enhance transparency and UVA protection.
• Opacity: Zinc oxide is known for its high opacity and ability to scatter light, contributing to its effectiveness as a sun-blocking agent.
• Chemical Stability: Zinc oxide is highly stable and does not easily react with other ingredients in formulations, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness.
• Insolubility: It is insoluble in water, which helps maintain its integrity and stability in various formulations.

UV Protection Mechanism

Zinc oxide protects against UV radiation through a combination of reflection, scattering, and absorption:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Zinc oxide is a physical UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection. It effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for causing skin damage, sunburn, and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• Reflection and Scattering: Zinc oxide particles sit on the skin’s surface and reflect and scatter UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
• Absorption: While primarily a physical blocker, zinc oxide also absorbs UV radiation to a certain extent, enhancing its protective capabilities.

Benefits of Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide offers several significant benefits, making it a preferred ingredient in sun protection products:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Zinc oxide provides comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays, making it an effective ingredient for preventing sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Zinc oxide has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation. This makes it particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or reactive skin.
• Suitability for Sensitive Skin: Zinc oxide is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin types, including those with conditions like rosacea or eczema. It is also commonly used in baby sunscreens due to its mildness.
• Non-Comedogenic: Zinc oxide is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores, making it a good choice for acne-prone skin.
• Photostability: Zinc oxide is highly photostable, meaning it does not degrade upon exposure to sunlight, ensuring consistent UV protection over time.
• Environmental Benefits: Zinc oxide is considered reef-safe and environmentally friendly, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious consumers and formulators.

By understanding the properties, UV protection mechanism, and benefits of zinc oxide, formulators can effectively incorporate this versatile ingredient into their sun protection products, ensuring high performance and consumer satisfaction.

MZ-500 is a premium grade of zinc oxide designed to offer superior sun protection and formulation benefits. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes MZ-500 an exceptional choice for cosmetic formulators:

• GMP Quality Assurance: MZ-500 is produced under stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring high standards of purity, consistency, and safety. This certification provides formulators with confidence in the reliability and quality of this zinc oxide grade.
• Non-Coated Micronized Form: MZ-500 is a non-coated, micronized zinc oxide. The micronization process results in smaller particles, enhancing its performance in sun protection products. The lack of coating means it retains its natural properties, providing pure and effective UV protection.
• Excellent SPF Efficacy: MZ-500 offers outstanding SPF efficacy, significantly enhancing the sun protection factor (SPF) of formulations. Its superior ability to block UV rays makes it a critical ingredient in high-performance sun protection products.

MZX-203OTS is a cutting-edge zinc oxide grade designed to offer exceptional sun protection and formulation benefits. Here’s a detailed look at the key features that make MZX-203OTS an excellent choice for cosmetic formulators:

• GMP Quality Assurance: MZX-203OTS is produced under stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring high standards of purity, consistency, and safety. This certification guarantees that formulators can rely on the quality and performance of this zinc oxide grade.
• Hydrophobic Coating: MZX-203OTS is hydrophobically coated, enhancing its compatibility with oil-based formulations. The hydrophobic coating improves its dispersibility in esters and hydrocarbon oils, leading to better stability and performance in the final product.
• Micronized Form: This zinc oxide grade is micronized, meaning it has been processed into fine particles. The micronization process ensures high transparency, reducing the whitening effect typically associated with mineral sunscreens while maintaining effective UV protection.
• Excellent SPF Efficacy: MZX-203OTS offers outstanding SPF efficacy, significantly enhancing the sun protection factor (SPF) of formulations. It provides robust protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive sun defense.

MZX-304OTS is a state-of-the-art zinc oxide grade designed to offer outstanding sun protection and formulation benefits. Here’s an in-depth look at the key features that make MZX-304OTS an exceptional choice for cosmetic formulators:

• GMP Quality Assurance: MZX-304OTS is produced under stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring high standards of purity, consistency, and safety. This certification guarantees that formulators can rely on the quality and performance of this zinc oxide grade.
• Excellent SPF Efficacy: MZX-304OTS offers outstanding SPF efficacy, significantly enhancing the sun protection factor (SPF) of formulations. It provides robust protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive sun defense, particularly at high wavelengths.
• Superior Transparency: One of the standout features of MZX-304OTS is its superior transparency. The small crystal size ensures that it blends seamlessly into formulations, providing a natural and invisible finish on the skin without the typical whitening effect associated with mineral sunscreens.

Protection Levels

Titanium Dioxide:

• UV Protection: Titanium dioxide provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is particularly effective at blocking UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and direct DNA damage.
• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Its broad-spectrum protection makes it a robust choice for comprehensive sun defense.

Zinc Oxide:

• UV Protection: Zinc oxide offers superior broad-spectrum protection, effectively blocking both UVA and UVB rays. It is known for its high efficacy in protecting against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage such as premature aging.
• High Wavelength Protection: Zinc oxide is particularly effective at higher wavelengths, providing enhanced protection against deep-penetrating UVA rays.

Skin Compatibility

Titanium Dioxide:

• Sensitive Skin: Titanium dioxide is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is often recommended for people with skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.
• Non-Comedogenic: It does not clog pores, making it a good choice for acne-prone skin.

Zinc Oxide:

• Sensitive and Reactive Skin: Zinc oxide is also gentle and non-irritating, and it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm the skin. It is highly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.
• Baby and Sensitive Skin Products: Its soothing properties make it ideal for formulations aimed at babies and individuals with highly sensitive skin.

Cosmetic Appearance

Titanium Dioxide:

• White Cast: Traditional forms of titanium dioxide can leave a visible white cast on the skin. However, advanced formulations like micronized and hydrophobically modified grades (e.g., MT-100TV, MT-700Z) offer improved transparency and reduced whitening.
• Blending Ability: Modern formulations disperse well in both oil and water-based products, offering a smoother and more even application.

Zinc Oxide:

• White Cast: Zinc oxide is also known for its potential to leave a white cast. Micronized and coated forms (e.g., MZX-203OTS, MZX-304OTS) provide superior transparency, reducing the visible whitening effect.
• Blending Ability: Micronized zinc oxide disperses well in various formulations, providing a natural finish with minimal whitening.

Formulation Challenges

Titanium Dioxide:

• Dispersion: Achieving uniform dispersion can be challenging, especially in high-SPF formulations. Hydrophobically modified grades improve dispersibility in oil-based formulations.
• Stability: Maintaining stability in formulations can be difficult, but advanced grades offer enhanced stability.
• Texture: The particle size and surface treatment affect the texture and feel of the final product. Proper formulation techniques are essential to achieve a smooth texture.

Zinc Oxide:

• Dispersion: Zinc oxide can be challenging to disperse evenly, especially in water-based formulations. Coated forms improve dispersibility and stability in various media.
• Stability: Ensuring stability in formulations, particularly for high-SPF products, requires careful selection of particle size and coating.
• Texture: Similar to titanium dioxide, the particle size and surface treatment of zinc oxide affect the texture and feel. Micronized and coated forms help achieve a smoother texture and better sensory experience.

Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are excellent UV filters, each with unique benefits and challenges. Titanium dioxide offers robust UVB protection and is highly suitable for sensitive skin, while zinc oxide provides superior broad-spectrum protection, particularly against UVA rays, and has anti-inflammatory properties ideal for reactive skin. By understanding the properties and formulation challenges of each, formulators can choose the right UV filter to meet their specific product goals and consumer needs.

Consider Your Product Goals

When selecting a UV filter for your skincare line, it’s essential to align the choice with your product goals, target market, and specific needs of the formulation.

Target Market:

• Sensitive Skin: For products aimed at sensitive skin, babies, or those with conditions like rosacea or eczema, zinc oxide is an excellent choice due to its anti-inflammatory properties and gentle nature.
• Acne-Prone Skin: Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are non-comedogenic, making them suitable for acne-prone skin. However, titanium dioxide may be preferred for its light, non-greasy feel in formulations.
• Eco-Conscious Consumers: Zinc oxide is often considered more environmentally friendly and reef-safe, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Product Type:

• Daily Moisturizers: For lightweight, daily moisturizers with added sun protection, micronized and hydrophobically modified grades of titanium dioxide (e.g., MT-100TV) and zinc oxide (e.g., MZX-203OTS) provide high transparency and minimal whitening.
• High-SPF Sunscreens: For high-SPF formulations, combining both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can provide broad-spectrum protection. Zinc oxide’s superior UVA protection complements titanium dioxide’s UVB blocking abilities.
• Tinted Products: If the product needs to be tinted, choosing a UV filter that offers high transparency, like MZX-304OTS for zinc oxide or MT-N1 for titanium dioxide, helps maintain the product's aesthetic qualities without compromising on protection.

Formulation Tips

Here are practical tips for working with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide:

Titanium Dioxide:

• Dispersion: Ensure uniform dispersion by using hydrophobically modified grades (e.g., MT-100TV) in oil-based formulations. Proper mixing techniques and dispersants can help achieve even coverage.
• Particle Size: Use micronized forms to reduce whitening and improve transparency.
• Compatibility: Check compatibility with other ingredients to maintain stability and efficacy. Titanium dioxide can react with certain antioxidants, so proper stabilization is crucial.

Zinc Oxide:

• Dispersion: To achieve uniform dispersion, especially in oil-based formulations, use coated grades like MZX-203OTS. For water-based formulations, consider grades like MZX-304OTS for better dispersibility.
• Particle Size: Opt for micronized or nano forms to enhance transparency and reduce the white cast.
• Formulation Techniques: Use high-shear mixing and ensure even distribution to avoid clumping. The addition of dispersants and stabilizers can enhance the formulation’s stability.

Regulatory Considerations

Regulatory guidelines can influence the choice of UV filters:

• FDA (USA): Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are approved by the FDA as safe and effective active ingredients for use in sunscreens. The maximum allowable concentrations are 25% for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
• EU Regulations:The European Union also approves both filters for use in sunscreens, with similar concentration limits. Additionally, the EU emphasizes the importance of labeling products containing nano-sized particles.
• Reef-Safe Legislation: In some regions, such as Hawaii and certain parts of Australia, there are regulations banning certain chemical sunscreens to protect coral reefs. Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are favored as they are considered reef-safe.
• Labeling Requirements: Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding labeling, especially when using nano-sized particles. Transparency in labeling helps consumers make informed choices.

By considering these factors, you can effectively choose and formulate with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create high-quality, consumer-friendly sun protection products that meet both regulatory standards and market demands.

Mineral Glow Sunscreen: Our multitasking radiant tinted sunscreen gives skin an instant Barbie glow up.

• MT-N1: A coated Titanium Dioxide that offers UV protection with less whitening effect on skin.
• MZX-304OTS: A coated, broad spectrum Zinc Oxide
• Pearlflakes Bronze, Yellow and Black: A versatile, easy to incorporate pigment that provides rich luster and brilliance
• Arcopearl FEHD 410: A high-definition Interference pigment with outstanding visual effects and exceptional brightness.

Tinted Skin Perfector: Our tinted skin perfector is a specially designed CC cream formulated with encapsulated pigments for that perfect skin tone match. This supercharged skin perfector provides mineral sunscreen & free radical protection, while evening out skin tone.

• GreenDiol: 100% natural humectant and emollient produced through fermentation of a sugar cane biomass feedstock. It also has preservative booster properties.
• Pellicer L-30: Peptide-like, plant-derived, multifunctional active ingredient. It has excellent surface[1]active properties and functions in emulsification and dispersion at very low use levels. Its ceramide-like Gemini structure also gives it a high affinity to skin and hair, providing moisturizing and damage repair properties.
• Siclone SR-5: D-5 replacement comprised of hydrocarbons that had good volatility, slip, and cushion.
• MZX-304OTS: GMP micro zinc oxide that features excellent SPF efficacy for high wavelengths and superior transparency. It is a small crystal size and is suitable for different types of oils.
• MT-100TV: GMP hydrophobically modified, rutile grade TiO2 with excellent photostability, transparency, and SPF efficacy.
• Luxsil AL Free: Aluminum free hollow beads that provide a light, powdery feel for detackifying purposes. Provides excellent lubricity, soft focus, SPF boosting, enhanced spreadability, and flow.
• Biogenic Magicolor 150Y30 and 150R30: Patented multi-layer encapsulation technology, offering a high load of pigments (20- 30%) and Titanium Dioxide. The pigment's true color is revealed upon application.
• Inawave Leonarus: Eco-concious active from traditional chinese medicine that helps reduce inflammation and protects skin from damaging free radicals.

Ready to take your skincare formulations to the next level? Incorporate our high-quality titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filters to achieve superior sun protection, enhance product performance, and meet consumer demands for effective and safe skincare solutions. Whether you're formulating daily moisturizers, high-SPF sunscreens, or eco-friendly products, our UV filters provide the reliability and efficacy you need.