Titanium Dioxide, Sunscreen

Updated on February 15, 2011
F.P. asks from Channahon, IL
18 answers

Ok. I just read a post about mineral makeup and Titanium Dioxide, it possibly causes cancer, and there is a link in Titanium Dioxide and cancer from what I've read. Anyway alot of responses said that is found in sunscreen. So now I'm worried because I load my son(and now this year will be doing the same for my 1yr. old) up with sunscreen in the summer to prevent sunburn and he has never had sunburn he is 5yrs old. So my question is does anyone know of a good 50/60 block sunscreen that I can use on my kids that does not contain Titanium Dioxide or other harmful ingrdients that actually works? I would really appreciate any recomendations. Thank you in advance.

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B.J.

answers from Indianapolis on

That's exactly why we use Arbonne products! The sunscreen in the baby line is amazing!! I use it on my 12 month old son!

B. Jones
Arbonne International
District Manager &
Independent Consultant
###-###-####
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

Arbonne has an Awesome line of skin care products for children. It is called their ABC line (Arbonne Baby Care). Their products contain NO Titanium Dioxide. The product line includes a Hair and Body Wash, Body Lotion, Body Oil, Herbal Diaper Rash Cream and...yep, a Sunscreen. Arbonne products are all Botanically based, and what I use on my children. I have a son with excema, and nothing works better at controlling his excema symptoms, and it keeps my daughter's skin silky smooth. The sunscreen is awesome. Here is some information about it...
Here is an ingredient list along with the ingredient's purpose:
Active Ingredient:
Water/Aqua/Eau Solvent
Zinc Oxide Science Sunscreen
Octyl Methoxycinnamate Science Sunscreen
2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octyl Salicylate) Science Sunscreen
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate Science Skin Conditioning Agent,
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate Science Thickener, Emulsifier, Stabilizer
Cetyl Dimethicone Science Thickener
Oxybenzone Science Sunscreen
Butylene Glycol Science Solvent
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone Science Thickener, Emulsifier, Stabilizer
Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane Science Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceresin Plant/Science Gellant
Hexyl Laurate Science Skin Conditioning Agent,
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane Science Skin Conditioning Agent
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Plant Moisturizer, Skin Protectant
Plantago Major Leaf Extract Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract Plant Antioxidant
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil Plant Antioxidant
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil Plant Emollient, Moisturizer,
Conditioner
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil Plant Emulsifier
Retinyl Palmitate Science Skin Conditioning Agent
Ascorbyl Palmitate Science Emulsifier, Thickener, Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate Science Emollient, Thickener, Stabilizer
Phospholipids Science Suspending Agent, Thickener
Citric Acid Science Neutralizer, Emulsifier,
Solubilizer
Panthenol Science Humectant, Moisturizer
Sodium Chloride Science Carrier, Thickener
Triethoxycaprylylsilane Science Thickener
Phenoxyethanol Science Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol Science Skin Conditioning Agent,
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin Science Skin Conditioning Agent
Hexylene Glycol Science Solvent
Potassium Sorbate Science Preservative
Sodium Benzoate Science Preservative
Sorbic Acid Science Preservative
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract Science Skin Conditioning Agent
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil Plant Skin Conditioning Agent
Limonene Plant Solvent
Geraniol Science Skin Conditioning Agent

Arbonne Baby Care (ABC)
Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+
Protect baby’s delicate skin with this gentle
sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum
sun protection. Formulated with SPF 30+,
this lotion provides maximum protection
for sensitive skin.
recommended for:
Babies 6 months and older; children
and adults.
when to use:
Daily or as needed.
usage:
Apply liberally onto skin and massage
until absorbed.

I wish you luck with whatever you choose, but you can always trust Arbonne. You can check out more information about the ABC system by going to www.kristenstemple.myarbonne.com and clicking on "Discover ABC" where you will read a letter from a 15 year veteran in pediatric medicine who recommends the ABC line. All products can be purchased straight from the site by clicking on "shop online". I've helped many mamasource mama's across the country...I hope I've helped you too! If you would like a sample of the entire ABC line, I would love to send one to you. Just go to my site and sign my guestbook (mention in the comments section where you found me from so I know who you are). I will get it out to you ASAP. You will have it in just a few days!
Take Care,
K.
www.kristenstemple.myarbonne.com

2 moms found this helpful
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S.C.

answers from Chicago on

Beware of what you read because the internet is full of nonsubstantial information. The internet has no governing body so anyone can put literally anything on it they so choose. I've been in skincare and cosmetic development for several years and I've only known titanium dioxide along with zinc oxide to be the BEST sunscreens because of their natural origin and natural broadspecturm capabilities. However, if you want natural and perhaps something you're more comfortable with, then try a micronized zinc oxide. Zinc oxide by nature is very thick, white and chalky (remember life guards with the white noses?). When it's micronized, it means it's broken down so it's transparent; not so white or thick. It will leave a milky resude on the skin but it will give a great sun protection. Dermatologists who work with skin cancer patients prescribe zinc oxide for their sunscreen and only zinc oxide. This may be worth considering when choosing a suncare product for your family.

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K.T.

answers from Chicago on

I've never heard titanium causing cancer. I researched sunscreens last year, and read into chemical sunscreens and their effects.

Very broad statements and inconclusive arguments over what causes cancer and what doesn't.

(ie) it's inconclusive if the people using the sunscreen are pre-disposed to skin problems and that's what leads to damage, or if it's because they have sunscreen on that they then stay in the sun longer and receive more damage.

Also, the way sunscreen work also is problematic, as it sinks into deeper layers, leaving top layers exposed setting off undesirable reactions and damage, and this means you need to reapply sunscreen every 20 mts, and not every 2 hours.

The mineral sunscreens are also problematic in that they are ground so fine (microparticles) so to absorb into the skin, that they too sink into deeper layers and leave top layers exposed..

So it's very inconclusive if its the chemicals or compunds that cause cellular damage or if its the application flaw.

Here's some links:
www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
discovermagazine.com/2003/ju...cienceof

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Kokomo on

There are many companies out there that use natural ingredients instead of harmful chemicals like you are talking about with the titanium dioxide. I personally use Melaleuca products, but there is also Arbonne and others that are great. Good luck!

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I often feel so overwhelmed by the unending info we all get regarding what is going to give our children (and us) cancer. I found a great, not too lengthy, article that sites some really good sources. It appears very reliable. I would really encourage you to read it:
http://www.theorganicmakeupcompany.com/CA/titaniumdioxide...
The bottom line is that Titanium Dioxide has been shown to cause cancer in rats when they have been exposed to the substance in mass doses almost daily over a two year period.
The trace amounts used in make-up and sunscreen are negligible at best.
Nevertheless, Arbonne's baby care sunscreen does not contain Titanium Dioxide.
Here is some info I grabbed from the website:
What is Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+?
Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+ is a gentle water-resistant sunscreen that provides broad spectrum sun protection. Formulated with SPF 30+, this lotion provides maximum protection for sensitive skin and will protect baby’s delicate skin.
Arbonne Baby Care products are our most mild product line. In addition to being very beneficial for babies, those with sensitive skin types will also benefit from the extra-sensitive Arbonne Baby Care products.
Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+ should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure; apply liberally onto skin and massage until absorbed.

I hope this helps! One of my favorite things about all Arbonne products is their interminable and tireless work to provide the very safest products.
-S. ____@____.com

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

We use Sunscreen made by Arbonne. It seems to be pretty natural. I think California Babies and Burt's Bees has one, also.
HTH,
J.

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Fran,
Shaklee makes a SPF 30 that is wonderful and no harmful chemicals. I use it on my myself and my kids every year.
http://www.shaklee.net/maximumwellness/product/32519

B.

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D.

answers from Chicago on

Fran,

We use Arbonne Baby Care products - they have an SPF 30+ w/o harmful chemicals (including titanium dioxide)...my entire family uses this and I offer this to clients with extremely sensitive skin as this is the only thing they seem to be able to use. I can send you a sample, or if you just want to try some...it's $14.30 (I would just give you my discount). Here's a link on the Arbonne website to see the product. https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductI...

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D.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

This is the response I wrote to anyther mom about Mineral Makeup:

I am a Mary Kay consultant and you should know it isn't just in Mineral Make-up (which Mary Kay now carries) but in most blushes, eyeshadows and bronzers Also sunscreens have a very high level. Studies have only shown an increased risk of cancer in people who work around the material (manufacturing, packing shipping) and not in occupational or recreational use. If you are are just using the makeup it shouldn't hurt you. Also I have used Bare Essentials and Mary kay's new mineral foundation and I liked MK better because the BE made my face oily and Mary Kay is much cheaper!

I personlaly don't know of any sunscreens that don't have it, it's what keeps the sun off. Skin cancer is FAR more dangerous than the VERY SLIGHT possibility of cancer from this ingredient.

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C.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

Fran,
I am an all natural mom who tries to use all natural everything! Earth's Best has a Sunscreen that is actually reasonably priced. I know you can order it at diapers.com. Good luck! If you have any other questions regarding all natural products let me know!

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P.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

I recommend the body sunscreen spf 30 from Suntegrity Skincare. It contains 20% zinc-oxide and it doesn't contain any titanium dioxide. It also got a #1 rating from the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database for safety and efficacy. Plus, it smells good unlike most of the natural sunscreens out on the market.

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

all you really need is spf 30-45 no more than that. check the ingredients on the back and if it contains the titanium dioxide don't buy it. just reapply the sunscreen every hour and a half or so.

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L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

DO NOT USE THE ARBONNE BABY ABC SUNCREEN! Read the bottle! It contains Octinoxate, Octisalate and worst of all Oxybenzone (Google those ingredients! Very toxic) They have branded themselves as an all natural company, but the ingredients tell the true story! Best to use zinc oxide!

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L.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

I worked for Clinique for 8 years and titanium dioxide is the active ingredient in most of the sunscreens out there. Many people with allergies prefer Titanium dioxide because it is a physical sunblock. That means there is no chemical reaction in the sunscreen when the sun hits it. It is one of the only types of sunscreen I can use. I know that Clinique is doing hybrid sunscreens now that have less of the titanium dioxide, but I haven't worked for them for a few years now....so can't give "expert" advice on theirs or anyone else's. I will be sad if the cancer research you read is true since I am fair-skinned and have used only physical sunblocks for years!! Thank you very much for posting that so I can look into it myself. My kids are also lathered in it in the summer time. I actually use sunscreen everyday in my moisturizer (studies show 90% of sun damage is caused from everyday exposure to the elements...not just summer sun.), so now I am a little concerned! Boy, I can't win....cancer from sun....cancer from the sunscreen! geesh!!
Thanks for sharing!

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S.W.

answers from Chicago on

blue lizard is recommended at my peds office

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S.N.

answers from Chicago on

I deal with naturalpathic medicine and I can honestly say. Though TD can be irritating to some people's skin. I have not seen any solid evidence that holds that it can cause cancer. I would worry more about the Dimethicone and Methyl Parabins that are in it.

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