Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Not all zinc oxide is created equal. The difference between nano and non-nano isn't just a label detail; it determines whether the ingredient sits on your skin or goes into it.

Non-nano zinc oxide uses particles larger than 100 nanometers. That might sound technical, but the practical meaning is simple: these particles are too big to penetrate your skin barrier. They stay on the surface, forming a physical shield that reflects and scatters UV rays before they ever reach you. Nano-sized particles, by contrast, are small enough to potentially absorb into skin. Some people are fine with that. Others prefer knowing exactly where their ingredients are and what they're doing.

The way zinc oxide works is fundamentally different from chemical sunscreen ingredients. Chemical filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone absorb into your skin, then absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat. Zinc oxide skips all that. It sits on top and physically blocks the rays. Think of it as a mineral shield versus a chemical sponge. Neither approach is inherently wrong, but if you want protection that stays on the surface, non-nano zinc oxide is the straightforward choice.

Beyond protection, zinc oxide brings genuine skin benefits. It's naturally anti-inflammatory, which is why it's been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin, diaper rash, and minor wounds. It's antimicrobial. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe for use around eyes. And unlike some chemical alternatives, it won't bleach coral reefs or disrupt marine ecosystems. When ingredient labels get complicated, zinc oxide stays simple: a natural mineral doing exactly what you'd expect it to do.

We use non-nano zinc oxide in our Sun Lip Therapy and Zinc Oxide Lotion because we believe in protection you can understand. No absorption questions, no chemical conversions, no environmental guilt. Just a mineral barrier between you and the elements.