FAQs

TiZO was introduced in 2003, but its roots go back even further. As a practicing plastic surgeon in the 1980’s and 1990’s, TiZO’s founder Dr. Harry Fallick witnessed the aftermath of skin cancers in the course of his reconstructive work. He also recognized the importance of safe sun protection for skin that is photosensitive, or that is compromised temporarily by procedures such as laser resurfacing. TiZO (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) grew out of his mission to create healthier sunscreens, avoiding chemical UV filters, with superb elegance to maximize compliance.

I think it is important to know that TiZO has a skincare line, TiZO Photoceutical Skincare, that works in conjunction with our sunscreens. Our skincare products help to reverse damage caused by the sun while also protecting from future photodamage. By using TiZO mineral sunscreens and our Photoceutical Skincare line together, you are able to not only protect from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also accelerate cell turnover, brighten and even out skin tone, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.

TIZO stands for Titanium Zinc Oxide. We only use mineral sunscreen ingredients Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as the active ingredients in our sunscreen formulas. It’s right there in our name!

TIZO Mineral protection formulas use only the best ingredients that are medical grade quality. The feeling of these products is unparalleled in elegance, so you want to wear them every day. They are also extremely versatile, blending seamlessly with any skin type or tone. We do not use any dyes, parabens, fragrances, or chemical sunscreen filters.

Yes! All TIZO mineral sunscreens are reef friendly, meaning they are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are banned in some locations, as well as all other chemical sunscreen filters. There is currently no specific approved test to certify a product as reef friendly.

Yes! All TIZO mineral sunscreens achieve non-nano particle sizing in their formulas. In their raw state some particles may be nano, but are then coated with inert ingredients so they are non-nano in our formulas

No. TIZO products are free of all dyes and fragrances.

All TIZO products are free of parabens and other preservatives.

All TIZO products are cruelty free, meaning we do not test our products on animals or include ingredients that are tested on animals.

Yes. All TIZO products are gluten free.

All tinted TIZO products achieve their universal tint from iron oxide. Iron oxide is often used in cosmetic products to provide coloration. It is gentle on the skin and non-toxic. It is known for being non-irritating and non-allergenic. TIZO products are free of all dyes and fragrances.

TIZO products are specifically formulated to disperse evenly without leaving a white cast. Our non-tinted sunscreens leave an elegant finish without a white cast, although some may leave a slight cast on some darker skin tones.

Yes. The use of a great sunscreen is always important to protect the longevity of a tattoo. TIZO mineral sunscreens are perfect for protecting tattoos because of the way they reflect off the skin, rather than absorbing into the inked skin. We always suggest waiting until your tattoo is fully healed before applying sunscreen.

The expiration date of our products can be found on the crimp of the tube, and on the bottom of the carton.

All TIZO mineral sunscreens have a three-year shelf life as long as the product has not been opened.

TIZO Sheer Botanicals SPF 45 is a plant-based product and is USDA Certified Biobased, containing 93% USDA certified biobased content.

The PA system, developed in Japan, provides a measure of UVA protection. Use of this rating system is not required in the US and most US products are not tested for a PA rating.

All TIZO products are manufactured in the US.

When it comes to OTC (over the counter) drugs, the inactive ingredients must be listed in alphabetical order. Alumina is just the first inactive ingredient alphabetically.

The video uses a UV camera to demonstrate the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen mode of action.
Cameras work by sensing light reflecting off objects. The less light reflecting into a camera, the darker the object will appear. A UV camera works the same way, but with a special filter that only lets in UV light.

By design, Chemical Sunscreens absorb UV light and convert that energy to heat. Because of this exchange, there is no UV light reflecting away from the sunscreen. With no reflected light, the object appears black through the UV camera.

In contrast, Mineral Sunscreens reflect/refract/scatter UV light away from the skin. This means the UV light is reflecting from the sunscreen to the camera, and the object will appear lighter.

All TIZO formulas are free of chemical sunscreens, using only Titanium and Zinc Oxides, so they all have this effect under UV light. (Only if pressed) The specific formula used in the video was our Solar Protection Formula SPF 58.

The chemical sunscreen used is a leading sunscreen brand, SPF 55, containing several chemical sunscreen ingredients. Again, the effect shown is representative of any chemical sunscreen.

The video was lit with an Ultraviolet LED array. The sun works as well, but we did it indoors for consistency in our photography.

Yes. Here is the link to send to the account: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/CM6hh1Idcq

Thanks for reaching out with your question about TiZO. There is unfortunately no clear-cut definition of what is “Reef Safe” or “Reef Friendly,” which is how we describe our products. There are a few things, though, that all agree you want to watch out for. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the two ingredients which have specifically been implicated in reef degradation and are the two ingredients that have been banned by those locations that have enacted bans. Since all chemical sunscreen filters act by the same mechanism, most reef-advocates suggest that you avoid other chemical sunscreens as well.

The mineral sunscreens Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are preferred from a reef-friendly standpoint, but you want to be sure that they are coated and non-nano. The mineral sunscreen particles used in TiZO are an array of sizes in their raw form, but are always coated and are non-nano as used in the product. So they are considered Reef-Friendly.

If you have a client that is still uncomfortable, you might want to suggest one of our formulas that contains only zinc oxide. TiZO AM Replenish has a feel similar to TiZO3, but contains ceramides and 16% zinc oxide and is a bit more moisturizing. ULTRA ZINC (tinted or non-tinted) is 20% zinc oxide and gives a moisturizing, slightly dewy finish. Both blend beautifully and are virtually invisible in use.

Thanks for your questions about TiZO Environmental Skin Protectant. This is a wonderful product that is really designed to protect the skin from chafing, cold and wind. While it does help to relieve chapped skin when that occurs, it really isn’t intended to be used as part of an ongoing skin regimen.

If you are using azelaic acid to treat a condition such as rosacea or acne, we’d recommend that you ask your physician about using it with TiZO Environmental Skin Protectant. Glycolic acid and retinol can at times be irritating, so they could counteract the soothing and protective benefits you are getting from TiZO Environmental Skin Protectant.

TiZO Environmental Skin Protectant does not contain any steroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Skin Protectants are considered to be over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA. The protective/active ingredient is dimethicone 3%.

FDA labeling regulations for this type of product state that you should consult your physician if you have symptoms that last longer than 7 days. But there is not a stated limit on use of the product.

The Environmental Skin Protectant is safe to use on your face! This product is non-comedogenic as well as oil free. ***THIS PRODUCT HAS YET TO BE TESTED FOR NON-COMEDOGENICY***

Thanks for your interest in our animal testing policy. You’ll be happy to know that TiZO, under the umbrella of our parent company Fallene, Ltd., is certified as Cruelty Free & Vegan through PeTA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program.

The Beauty Without Bunnies program requires assurance that the company does not test on animals, ensures that its ingredient suppliers do not test on animals, and does not allow animal testing by or at the direction of regulatory agencies in foreign countries.
TiZO is not sold in retail stores in mainland China.

All TiZO products are considered Vegan.

• Titanium Dioxide is a very safe and effective sunscreen ingredient. It is one of only two (2) active sunscreen ingredients that are currently regarded by the Food & Drug Administration as GRASE (Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective). The other is Zinc Oxide. Titanium Dioxide applied topically does not absorb into the skin, and does not absorb into the bloodstream, so it does not have safety concerns.

• The concerns that have been raised in the lawsuit against Mars (maker of Skittles) and in the European ban relate specifically to titanium dioxide’s use as a food additive, where it is ingested. It is a totally different situation than a topically applied sunscreen that remains on top of the skin. The EU has not banned titanium dioxide in cosmetics.

• However, the EU has restricted the use of titanium dioxide in loose powders and aerosols, given concerns about loose titanium dioxide particles being inhaled into the body. TiZO does not sell any spray or loose powder sunscreens because of this concern.

We do not use palm oil sourced raw materials or any palm derivatives in our products

The bismuth oxychloride is in the Ultra Zinc to enhance its dewy finish. Bismuth Oxychloride may be an irritant to some when the powder is applied directly to the skin, or in products with high percentages (>20%), like pressed face powders. However, when used in blended liquid products, irritancy drops significantly or to non-existent.

Our product, TiZO Ultra Zinc -Tinted was clinically tested by a 3rd party for irritation potential. This test “Assessment of Skin Primary and Cumulative Irritation Potential and Skin Sensitization Potential” was performed on 50 subjects having the following results:

• The product did not induce a skin primary and cumulative irritation in the study group.
• The product did not induce skin sensitization in the study group.
• The product is considered safe.

Conclusion: Our product is not irritating and does not cause sensitization.

We do not use collagen in any of our products, as it does not penetrate the skin. Our skin care line does include many active ingredients, such as Multi-Peptide Complex, to help boost collagen production.

No. Cotz products are free of all dyes and fragrances.

All Cotz products are free of parabens and other preservatives.

All Cotz products are cruelty free, meaning we do not test our products on animals or include ingredients that are tested on animals.

Yes. All Cotz products are gluten free.

All Cotz products are manufactured in the US.

At the moment we have PA ratings only on CoTZ Prime & Protect Tinted and Non-Tinted. PA/PPD ratings are not required in the United States, but we are finding that many customers like yourself are looking for them and we are in the process of having additional products tested over time. As that testing is completed, we’ll be including the ratings on our labels and in our product information.

When you first subscribed from recurring purchases, you should have received an email with a personalized link to modify or delete your subscription if necessary. The subscription management platform will allow you to skip a month of delivery, change your address, cancel your subscription, etc. If you never received an email with your personalized subscription link, please reach out to info@cotzskincare.com.

After you placed your order, you will receive multiple correspondence including an order confirmation, shipping confirmation, and delivery confirmation. The shipping confirmation email will include a tracking number where you will be able to view the status of your order.

Sunscreens, per the FDA, are not waterproof. Instead, the water durability of a sunscreen is measured by either 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance. Water resistancy is identified on your tube of sunscreen.

All CoTZ sunscreens are broad spectrum which means they protect against UVA and UVB rays.

The only CoTZ sunscreen that has non-comedogenic testing is the Flawless Complexion (both lightly and richly tinted)

Products are good for 3 years, 12 months after opening

Mineral sunscreens (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) work in a very different way than chemical sunscreens, and those differences are why we only use mineral sunscreens in TiZO. Mineral sunscreens lay on top of the skin and reflect away damaging UVA-UVB rays; chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and get into the bloodstream, while absorbing UVA-UVB rays onto the skin. Since mineral sunscreens do not absorb through the skin, they are great for sensitive skin and cause very few allergic reactions. In contrast, chemical sunscreens can be irritating to skin and eyes, and cause most sunscreen allergies.

Dr. Fallick’s background guides our product development in terms of both health and aesthetics. First, his approach to skin health is integrative, understanding that what you put on your body is as important as what you put into it. So TiZO products are free of dyes, fragrances, gluten, preservatives, phthalates and of course chemical sunscreens. Second, his background as a plastic surgeon informs the visual and tactile aesthetics of TiZO products. Sheer, silky, soft and gentle are key, and we use the highest quality ingredients to deliver those attributes along with.

1) Mineral sunscreens reflect UVA/UVB rays away from the skin, whereas chemical filters work by absorbing the rays into the skin, converting them to heat, and then releasing them from the body.

2) Mineral sunscreens are gentle and non-irritating to the skin.

3) Mineral sunscreens lay on top of the skin, and do not penetrate the skin or get into the bloodstream. Recent studies have shown that some chemical sunscreen filters do penetrate the skin and get into the bloodstream.

Broad spectrum means that the product provides coverage of UVB and UVA rays.

Spray sunscreens present a host of complications when it comes to application. Spray sunscreens do not offer a direct application to the skin which leaves users susceptible to missing spots during application and getting burnt. Additionally, sunscreen particles from a spray make users susceptible to product inhalation.

The FDA recommends using an SPF of 30 and above. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays while an SPF 50 blocks a 98% and SPF 100 blocks 99%. The difference in coverage is so miniscule between an SPF 30 and an SPF 100.

We use mineral sunscreen filters that do not absorb into the blood stream. We still recommend that you consult your medical provider before introducing new products into your skincare routine during pregnancy!