If you’ve ever wondered what SPF actually means or how sunscreen protects your skin, you’re not alone. In this post, we break down what an SPF filter is, how it works, and the difference between organic (chemical) SPF filters and titanium dioxide — one of the most effective physical sunscreen ingredients.
What Is an SPF Filter?
An SPF filter is an active ingredient in sunscreen that protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature ageing, sunburn, and skin cancer. These filters are what give sunscreen its sun protection factor (SPF) rating — the number that tells you how well it guards against UVB rays.
There are two main types of SPF filters used in sunscreens:
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Organic filters (commonly called "chemical sunscreens")
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Inorganic filters (often referred to as "physical sunscreens"), like titanium dioxide
How Do Organic (Chemical) SPF Filters Work?
Organic sunscreen filters absorb UV radiation and transform it into harmless heat. They’re designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white cast — making them a go-to choice for daily, invisible sun protection.
Some common organic UV filters include:
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Avobenzone – protects against UVA (ageing) rays
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Octocrylene, Octinoxate, Homosalate – protect against UVB (burning) rays
These filters are ideal for daily wear: lightweight, non-greasy, and often used in combination for broad-spectrum protection.
What Does Titanium Dioxide Do in Sunscreen?
Titanium dioxide is a physical sunscreen ingredient that sits on the skin’s surface and reflects or scatters UV rays. Unlike organic filters, it doesn’t absorb UV — it blocks it physically.
Benefits of titanium dioxide sunscreen:
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Broad-spectrum UV protection
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Gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin
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Photostable (doesn’t degrade in sunlight)
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Often used in mineral sunscreens and reef-safe formulations
One downside? It can leave a white cast — but modern sunscreens use micronised or nano titanium dioxide to keep the texture sheer and wearable.
Organic vs Physical Sunscreens: Which One Should You Use?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Both chemical (organic) and physical (mineral) sunscreens are effective when properly formulated.
At MISTR, we use a balanced combination of organic UV filters and titanium dioxide in our SPF skincare, delivering high-performance protection that’s clean, non-greasy, and built for everyday use.
Whether you're navigating city streets or coastal trails, our Hydrate_Defence SPF30 gives you skin protection that works — no white cast, no fuss.
