Why Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™ is not suitable for sunscreen

Based on the product description, Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™ is specifically designed and treated for use in makeup products. Its characteristics, such as the 250nm particle size and coating, are optimized to provide skin coverage and whiteness, which are desirable properties for cosmetics like foundations or powders.

While Titanium Dioxide is a well-known UV filter used in sunscreens, different types and particle sizes are formulated for different applications. Titanium Dioxide used in sunscreens, especially those aiming for transparency and high SPF, often have smaller particle sizes (nano-sized) and specific surface treatments to enhance UV absorption and scattering efficiency across the UV spectrum (UVA and UVB).

Therefore, although Titanium Dioxide is a sunscreen ingredient, this particular type, Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™, is not intended or optimized for UV protection and is recommended only for makeup applications. For sunscreen formulations, you should select Titanium Dioxide products specifically categorized and sold for UV protection.

Regarding the minimum SPF this product can provide, the product description does not specify an SPF value. SPF is a measure of the protection provided by a final formulated product when applied to the skin, not a property of the raw ingredient alone. The actual SPF achieved depends heavily on the concentration of the UV filter in the formula, the overall formulation (e.g., how well the filter is dispersed), and how the product is applied. Thus, it is not possible to determine a minimum SPF just from the raw material information.