Performance of Titanium Dioxide in Oil-Free and Silicone Formulations

Physical sunscreens like Titanium Dioxide generally achieve maximum sun protection efficiency, especially for SPF and water resistance, when properly dispersed in the continuous oil or silicone phase of an emulsion. Water-in-oil (W/O) and water-in-silicone (W/Si) emulsions are typically preferred over oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions for this reason.

Let's look at the two specific Titanium Dioxide products you asked about:

• Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid (Gloss): This product is primarily developed and recommended for use in water-in-oil emulsion systems for optimal performance. While it can be mixed into the silicone part of a formula, its description does not explicitly state that it provides maximum efficiency in a water-in-silicone system. Its performance in oil-free or silicone-based systems might be less than in its recommended water-in-oil system.

• Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Dimethicone Coated): This product features a Dimethicone coating. Its description explicitly states that for maximum sun protection efficiency, the formula should be a water-in-oil or water-in-silicone system. It can also be mixed into the silicone part of a formula.

Based on the product descriptions:

1. In Silicone (Silicone-only formula): Both products can be dispersed in the silicone phase. Achieving good sun protection performance in a silicone-only system depends heavily on ensuring the Titanium Dioxide is perfectly dispersed and remains stable within the silicone base.

2. Water in Silicone formula: The Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Dimethicone Coated) is explicitly recommended for use in water-in-silicone systems to achieve maximum sun protection efficiency. The Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid (Gloss) is primarily recommended for water-in-oil and is not explicitly stated to provide maximum efficiency in water-in-silicone.

Therefore, for a water-in-silicone formulation, Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Dimethicone Coated) is the more suitable choice according to the product descriptions for achieving optimal sun protection compared to Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid (Gloss).

Examples of bases for these systems include Water in Oil Serum (for W/O) and Silicone Blender (for W/Si).