Titanium Dioxide sunscreen products

[Kevio]

Has anyone tried these? I love the idea of a non-chemical sunscreen (especially since it will normally be on the skin all day!) but I'm really turned off by the white cast it leaves on the skin. It would be okay for a day out in the sun but for everyday wear to work and about town, it's just not flying:)So far I've tried Alba's version (Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 18 $6.00) and I splurged on Origins version (Sunshine State SPF 20 $25.00!!!-YIKES!) hoping it would be better but still no dice. Just thought I'd take a gamble and ask if any of you have tried this stuff and/or found the Holy Grail of chemical-free everyday-wear sunscreens??:)

[IamJen]

Isn't titanium dioxide a chemical?

[Kevio]

Well...as with everything, yes and no:) :

"Titanium Dioxide is a natural source pigment, quarry mined and further refined to a fluffy white powder. It is commonly found in cosmetics as a whitening agent and it is used in the formulation of sunscreens due to its capabilites to block UV light.

Titanium Dioxide has an enormous refractive index (ability to bend light), close to that of diamonds.

The natural source pigment adds a bright white colour to lotions, creams, and sunscreens and has a shelf life of 3-5 years.

Titanium dioxide is also known as Titanium (IV) oxide and TiO2 and the main function of this ingredient is to act as an opacifier, absorbent and white colorant and is a natural occurring mineral, and no known side effects are known."

"This inert earth mineral is also used as a thickener as well as a lubricant and also as a natural physical sunscreen ingredient which offers protection from both UVA and UVB radiation by reflecting or scattering the radiation away from the skin."