Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed January 2016 PMID 26431814

Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering.

Curtis Cole, Thomas Shyr, Hao Ou-Yang

Mentions

108
Peak: 14 in Aug 2020
across 6 sources since Jul 2018

Extended reach

9,889,500
potential audience

Total likes

208,556

Video views

8,918,396

Mentions per month

Jul 2018 – Oct 2024

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter72 posts
  • News18 articles
  • YouTube9 videos
  • Blogs4 articles
  • Facebook3 posts
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal a strong consensus on how metal oxide sunscreens operate, with many users referencing specific studies like those published in 2015 that reiterate these findings. Phrases such as 'a common misunderstanding' and 'this is the myth' illustrate the participants' intentions to clarify misinformation. Moreover, users show a commitment to educate others, which is evident from comments like 'I have more I could send' and 'Here's an actual study,' indicating their proactive role in fostering informed dialogue.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly agree with the findings of the publication, emphasizing the importance of understanding how metal oxide sunscreens function.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions reflect high interest in the topic, with users eager to share insights and additional resources.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many users engage deeply with the material, referencing studies and providing substantial commentary about the implications of the findings.

ImpactHigh impact

Participants perceive the publication as highly impactful in changing misconceptions about sunscreen effectiveness.

Abstract in brief

  • Metal oxide sunscreens, specifically titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, primarily protect the skin against UV radiation through absorption rather than reflection or scattering.
  • Earlier assumptions suggested these compounds worked mainly by physically blocking UV rays, but studies indicate this is not the case.
  • Research using optical integrating spheres found that the reflection of UV light by these sunscreens contributes minimally to their protective effect, with most of the UV defense coming from their ability to absorb harmful photons.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Kiki
@friedelcraft · X

Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya dengan memantulkan sinar uv, hayo pemahaman kalian seperti itu tidak?

Apr 1, 2021 · 92 likes · 17 shares · 7,174 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 30, 2020 · 24 likes · 8 shares · 35,059 followers View post →
Dr. Julian Sass (has tried Black Girl Sunscreen)
@drjuliansass · X

#AD Myth 3 cont’d: Most of the UVA/UVB rays get absorbed and converted into heat! The inorganic filters (and some organic filters) only reflect a tiny portion of UV, around 5%. https://t.co/hMav07jNIz

Apr 21, 2022 · 12 likes · 1 share · 4,757 followers View post →
Angelo Landriscina, MD FAAD
@dermangelo · X

She also covers it really well in this video: https://t.co/ztT4qcMqXy

Sep 6, 2020 · 10 likes · 2 shares · 8,293 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

@James_s_welsh @ahhhits_eryn Also an updated version talking about a newer study and a newer opinion piece, from 7:22 https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Oct 1, 2020 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 35,059 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

@payfrit @alexandra_palm The sources are in the blog post and video, but since you want to be spoon-fed (lazy critical thinking is really the main reason the US is in this mess, not just lack of people pasting links) here's the easiest one to access and understand: https://t.co/NeYVgLPFrP

Aug 30, 2020 · 6 likes · 1 share · 35,060 followers View post →

All mentions

Elizabeth Gogou
@EllieGogou · X

Busting More SPF Myths | Lab Muffin Beauty Science https://t.co/7tabaM5G7A μέσω @YouTube

Oct 15, 2024 · 74 followers View post →
Belén
@belencevallos99 · X

https://t.co/MYt7xeIFZd Más videos. Para proteger el coral y vida marina hay otras formas que no perjudiquen la salud de las personas.

Aug 22, 2024 · 379 followers View post →
Ronan
@RMHewwo · X

@phantomethread @BlondeJapanner @AndyJScott No, it's just a common misunderstanding of how these sunscreens work. https://t.co/ZrXvozr9Kp This paper demonstrates that both work by similar principles. I have more I could send, but they're functionally basically identical.

May 27, 2024 · 2 likes · 10 followers View post →
y҉e҉n҉
@yenywho · X

Actually BOTH chemical and physical sunscreens protect primarily by absorbing uv radiation. This was found by a 2015 study. https://t.co/nnDpNpF3DW https://t.co/8qIlFv5HRg

May 20, 2024 · 1 like · 433 followers View post →
William Herrera
@will_herrera · X

@IanPedrazaR @SantiCardonaH Los filtros minerales también se absorben en la piel. El uso de minerales o filtros químicos depende del fototipo de piel y de gustos por la formulación. https://t.co/ONtRYCj4Lq

Jan 10, 2024 · 2 likes · 366 followers View post →
Blue Rose
@SyazmeerAdha · X

@iamdrjoe 2/ Physical (inorganic) sunscreen only reflects around 5% UV rays (depending on the particle size of filter used), while the rest are being absorbed and converted into heat just like chemical (organic) sunscreen. Basically, both work almost the same way. https://t.co/lVnPHersjt

Aug 27, 2023 · 31 followers View post →
Martha Smith is on the bloosky now
@mostlymartha · X

@LabMuffin Her video on SPF myths is another must-watch. https://t.co/HFLDG9GY3l

Jul 18, 2023 · 3 likes · 1,437 followers View post →
Martha Smith is on the bloosky now
@mostlymartha · X

@ShivvyTime @MikeStucka Indeed! But also, the science around reef bleaching is more complicated than widely understood. 7:20 here is a good high level: https://t.co/HFLDG9GY3l

Jul 18, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,437 followers View post →
很久沒射箭ㄉ小弓兵
@_EN2N · X

https://t.co/gmmYjd3ncK

Jul 12, 2023 · 4,704 followers View post →
FeAu #16964
@Iron_Goldie · X

@FourthWaver A good explanation about how chemical sunscreens aren't nearly as scary as people like this think. Also, beef tallow is just making me break out thinking about it. Theres a million mineral sunscreens, and she chose that. https://t.co/ZgPzp5gLX8

Jun 11, 2023 · 485 followers View post →
пастилка дьявола
@bokuwarukatta · X

@anzweife это миф, что неорганические фильтры отражают лучи. у них схожий принцип работы. они поглощают большую часть (около 95%) уф-излучения, а остальное отражают https://t.co/x5oR8e5gG2

Apr 1, 2023 · 468 followers View post →
corey
@himbonomics · X

@parakeetnebula @egregrl bullshit on both points https://t.co/kO502mvCTL https://t.co/Rvyx59QRVG

Mar 1, 2023 · 3,256 followers View post →
RisaTo ☆彡
@ThisRisa · X

RT @chin_skinnerd: งานวิจัยอ้างอิง Curtis Cole et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2016 Jan. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12214 https://t.co…

Feb 11, 2023 · 4 shares · 219 followers View post →
Kesho_hin
@Kesho_hin · X

RT @chin_skinnerd: งานวิจัยอ้างอิง Curtis Cole et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2016 Jan. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12214 https://t.co…

Feb 11, 2023 · 4 shares · 17 followers View post →
ӄanunɢ
@DK_____AO · X

RT @chin_skinnerd: งานวิจัยอ้างอิง Curtis Cole et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2016 Jan. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12214 https://t.co…

Feb 10, 2023 · 4 shares · 167 followers View post →
ชินสกินเนิร์ด | สกินแคร์ เบสิค+แอดวานซ์
@chin_skinnerd · X

@Tean32098672 งานวิจัยอ้างอิงครับ Curtis Cole et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2016 Jan. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12214

Feb 10, 2023 · 1 like · 77,783 followers View post →
ชินสกินเนิร์ด | สกินแคร์ เบสิค+แอดวานซ์
@chin_skinnerd · X

งานวิจัยอ้างอิง Curtis Cole et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2016 Jan. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12214 https://t.co/M5plspleoL

Feb 10, 2023 · 4 likes · 4 shares · 77,783 followers View post →
Jo sóc jo 1312
@txellblanxer · X

@JuanitaCalamid2 @JesusMVentura https://t.co/LhHXpArnTd

Aug 7, 2022 · 2,013 followers View post →
cgroovym
@cgroovym · X

@plantabaixatv3 @nurcoll Jo també pensava que les cremes físiques protegien fent pantalla, però no, s'absorbeixen: "Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide UV protection primarily via absorption of UV radiation and not through significant reflection or scattering" https://t.co/X9v5mWL4aw

Jun 9, 2022 · 1 like · 34 followers View post →
こっこ
@cocco_surgery · X

@S96405539 すみません、記事の中に文献がありましたね。 Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering 2016年になって初めて出てきたんですかね…? 引用元も76件とさほど多くない(?)ようなので、あまり浸透していないのかもしれないですね。

May 30, 2022 · 917 followers View post →
Skin Care Bully
@SkinCareBully · X

RT @scamander14: #AD Myth 3 cont’d: Most of the UVA/UVB rays get absorbed and converted into heat! The inorganic filters (and some organic…

Apr 21, 2022 · 1 share · 62,632 followers View post →
Dr. Julian Sass (has tried Black Girl Sunscreen)
@drjuliansass · X

#AD Myth 3 cont’d: Most of the UVA/UVB rays get absorbed and converted into heat! The inorganic filters (and some organic filters) only reflect a tiny portion of UV, around 5%. https://t.co/hMav07jNIz

Apr 21, 2022 · 12 likes · 1 share · 4,757 followers View post →
ley 14❄️
@dreamiesyou · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Mar 16, 2022 · 17 shares · 1,102 followers View post →
José Maria Buceta Psicologo Deportivo
@andrecfwo · X

@mariaajacke @cenmag Mas aí não queria falar uma coisa assim de 10 anos atrás de um minicurso aleatório no Brasil. Vi esse artigo que parece bom dizendo a mesma coisa https://t.co/yhY3AuQDTB Que a reflexão/refração compõe só de 4 a 5% da proteção que esse material dá aos raios UV

Mar 12, 2022 · 1 like · 228 followers View post →
KAMBENG
@inikambeng · X

@faddmuch @beauthingy physical juga menyerap kok, yang kepantul itu cuma 10%nya aja. https://t.co/D9k3ntc3Wy ini dia cosmetic chemist phd

Mar 9, 2022 · 110 followers View post →
Daniel + Ampoule
@danpoule · X

@SedatedQueen13 @reallexiwalker @caveofbeauty Yeah still wrong, it’s the myth that just refuses to die, even the FDA updated their database in 1999. Plus, the article you linked only glosses over it. Here’s an actual study and analysis on how mineral sunscreens actually work: https://t.co/nFlFZJcqDz

Feb 9, 2022 · 124 followers View post →
transmask4mask (18+)
@thai_brows · X

@zhenskiiotdel that’s a rly common myth abt chemical SPFs that companies profit off of. if u wanna learn more abt it, i recommend watching this @LabMuffin video. she’s a cosmetic chemist w a PhD in chemistry who i trust for in-depth skincare knowledge! https://t.co/1t8vHA2Ypn

Jan 27, 2022 · 12,925 followers View post →
kiki (thesis's era)
@kikintsugi · X

@Kanti_kang @ohmybeautybank https://t.co/7hRbxd7XO8 https://t.co/FBUnodvGOA

Nov 3, 2021 · 1,440 followers View post →
ifah 3️⃣0️⃣
@kangensungjin · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Sep 5, 2021 · 17 shares · 1,250 followers View post →
ً
@Lyunav · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Sep 5, 2021 · 17 shares · 1,541 followers View post →
nnabiyya
@nnabiyya · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Sep 5, 2021 · 17 shares · 572 followers View post →
alfii ೀ
@lilactosky · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Sep 5, 2021 · 17 shares · 4,085 followers View post →
jema.
@zmabilla · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Sep 5, 2021 · 17 shares · 835 followers View post →
electrons and stuff ⚛︎
@georgezaidan · X

@jessopotamus @jonlovett So this is actually a misconception. "Physical" sunscreens, which are more correctly described as inorganic, seem to mostly absorb, not reflect, light. This is why sunscreen experts prefer we call them "inorganic" rather than "physical." Source: https://t.co/Cq9rfikDtr

Jun 12, 2021 · 2,093 followers View post →
wordofmell
@wordofmell · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Jun 8, 2021 · 17 shares · 299 followers View post →
;
@ayputrr · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Jun 8, 2021 · 17 shares · 950 followers View post →
Adinda
@usedtobeanice · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Jun 8, 2021 · 17 shares · 76 followers View post →
Bia
@orchidpoison · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Jun 8, 2021 · 17 shares · 81,006 followers View post →
El Chivo
@dimetu26 · X

@Chicquie5 @menmysins @MakeupForWOC @LabMuffin Another video debunking the myths that you mentioned https://t.co/SA0EJ7mFgW

May 29, 2021 · 3 likes · 197 followers View post →
かなべる@写真集通販アリ〼
@cnvl · X

と思ったら二酸化チタンも酸化亜鉛も別に反射なんかしてくて半導体バンドギャップで吸収してるだけだった https://t.co/AgxSKZFZHo

May 9, 2021 · 4,399 followers View post →
kulitkutemanku
@kulitkutemanku · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Apr 2, 2021 · 17 shares · 76 followers View post →
eca
@its_ecaa · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Apr 2, 2021 · 17 shares · 351 followers View post →
2025bismillahbanyakjob
@salsabiladtr · X

RT @friedelcraft: Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya d…

Apr 1, 2021 · 17 shares · 66 followers View post →
Kiki
@friedelcraft · X

Masyarakat beauty enthusiast pasti taunya kalau physical sunscreen seperti Zinc oxide atau Titanium oxide cara kerjanya dengan memantulkan sinar uv, hayo pemahaman kalian seperti itu tidak?

Apr 1, 2021 · 92 likes · 17 shares · 7,174 followers View post →
Adam
@EncikAdam_ · X

@mahirarodzi @SudinMalek @thebadcat__ @nurayuniii_ @naddyirruh This is the myth actually. Mineral based sunscreen memang tak stay on top. https://t.co/4aTVydo7Gf

Feb 22, 2021 · 1,065 followers View post →
zulfaqar9918
@zulfaqar9918 · X

@AkmalHisham_98 @daniallnazri https://t.co/EiN6tyIiQ2 Tengok myth ke-5. Dia ada ulas based on studies made. Walaupun semua research ni dibuat, but not all prove causative relationship

Oct 22, 2020 · 1 like · 79 followers View post →
malas
@sudahtibamasa · X

https://t.co/bZ0TjpVQlR was where I first found the commentary (timestamp: 7m 22s)

Oct 4, 2020 · 504 followers View post →
we really alive huh
@liddosophie · X

RT @LabMuffin: @James_s_welsh @ahhhits_eryn Also an updated version talking about a newer study and a newer opinion piece, from 7:22 https:…

Oct 1, 2020 · 2 shares · 49 followers View post →
nana
@wiwinaaaaa · X

RT @LabMuffin: @James_s_welsh @ahhhits_eryn Also an updated version talking about a newer study and a newer opinion piece, from 7:22 https:…

Oct 1, 2020 · 2 shares · 101 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

@James_s_welsh @ahhhits_eryn Also an updated version talking about a newer study and a newer opinion piece, from 7:22 https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Oct 1, 2020 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 35,059 followers View post →
an
@filloriangeek · X

@KlaraKossi Pues vi hace poco un vídeo de una chica que decía que realmente no está comprobado que ningún protector sea dañino, así que en teoría no nos tenemos que preocupar por eso ☺️ está en inglés pero te dejo el enlace por si te quieres informar más! (min 7:23) https://t.co/knr0Cr4zVn

Sep 10, 2020 · 649 followers View post →
A K B E A U T Y
@akbeautystuff · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Sep 6, 2020 · 8 shares · 199 followers View post →
ShennenDennenShenDennen
@SungEmpress · X

RT @dermangelo: She also covers it really well in this video: https://t.co/ztT4qcMqXy

Sep 6, 2020 · 2 shares · 443 followers View post →
Angelo Landriscina, MD FAAD
@dermangelo · X

She also covers it really well in this video: https://t.co/ztT4qcMqXy

Sep 6, 2020 · 10 likes · 2 shares · 8,293 followers View post →
Sean Garrette
@seangarrette · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 31, 2020 · 8 shares · 84,608 followers View post →
elaine k
@KNutellaelaine · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 31, 2020 · 8 shares · 341 followers View post →
Jo sóc jo 1312
@txellblanxer · X

RT @LabMuffin: @payfrit @alexandra_palm The sources are in the blog post and video, but since you want to be spoon-fed (lazy critical think…

Aug 31, 2020 · 1 share · 2,013 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

@payfrit @alexandra_palm The sources are in the blog post and video, but since you want to be spoon-fed (lazy critical thinking is really the main reason the US is in this mess, not just lack of people pasting links) here's the easiest one to access and understand: https://t.co/NeYVgLPFrP

Aug 30, 2020 · 6 likes · 1 share · 35,060 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

@payfrit @kourinthellama @AADskin https://t.co/NeYVgLPFrP

Aug 30, 2020 · 35,060 followers View post →
filthybookbitch
@filthybookbitch · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 30, 2020 · 8 shares · 1,886 followers View post →
NY Esthetican ✨✊
@browjoi · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 30, 2020 · 8 shares · 12,010 followers View post →
Tiara Willis
@thetiarawillis · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 30, 2020 · 8 shares · 333,505 followers View post →
• Hadali ☀️ Kati
@scar1etw0lf · X

RT @LabMuffin: Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 30, 2020 · 8 shares · 721 followers View post →
Dr Michelle Wong
@LabMuffin · X

Video: https://t.co/CuTNL7cMMB

Aug 30, 2020 · 24 likes · 8 shares · 35,059 followers View post →
Catdya
@catdya · X

chemistry!! science!! skincare!! watch! https://t.co/cigH1WA2Lf

Aug 30, 2020 · 757 followers View post →
wilfre
@Wilfreyy · X

https://t.co/WocPTKiXtZ

Aug 30, 2020 · 1 like · 5,204 followers View post →
Justin Kiness
@JustinKiness · X

Busting More SPF Myths | Lab Muffin Beauty Science https://t.co/elsEeDpwIn via @YouTube

Aug 29, 2020 · 2,952 followers View post →
jorge
@hypoglicemic · X

@nicoleydotcom @Ahtzirymg @lareinanegraa @michikoisdead Omg

Jun 9, 2020 · 1 like · 132 followers View post →
Monica | Subscribe to your local newspaper
@MonicaAmarelo · X

RT @dqasci: Sunscreen day - 1st addressing a common misconception .. TiO2 and ZnO work by absorbing light - just like non-mineral or 'ch…

Jun 28, 2019 · 1 share · 6,364 followers View post →
David Andrews
@dqasci · X

Sunscreen day - 1st addressing a common misconception .. TiO2 and ZnO work by absorbing light - just like non-mineral or 'chemical' sunscreens. Calling them physical blockers that work by reflecting and scattering light is misleading at best. https://t.co/BH805bLHeH

Jun 28, 2019 · 1 share · 1,237 followers View post →
shereen
@shereeny · X

@AdeAdamson isn’t it the case that physical sunscreens also work by absorbing UV and turning it into heat? https://t.co/29QR3neZEY

May 7, 2019 · 6,056 followers View post →
byeolbicheve
@byeolbicheve · X

@vampire__ Y acá les dejamos el estudio para que se actualicen. https://t.co/8ZrTm0M8QC

Jan 16, 2019 · 1 like · 734 followers View post →