Color, compared with standard samples

But before titanium dioxide is made into sunscreens, it is first micronized. This is a process that takes ingredients that are normally quite heavy (like titanium dioxide) and makes them both stabler and easier to spread. And when micronized, titanium dioxide doesn’t penetrate the skin. That means that you’re getting all the sun protection benefits without the risk of harming yourself.

Sunscreens made with mineral active ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, generally score well in EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. They provide strong sun protection with few health concerns and don’t easily break down in the sun.