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A mineral UV filter in non-nano grade
Zinc oxide is a white, inorganic pigment approved in the EU as a UV filter at up to 25%. It protects against UVA and UVB mainly by absorbing the radiation; only a small share is reflected. On intact skin, studies find the particles on the surface and in the uppermost layer of the stratum corneum. We use non-nano zinc oxide, listed in the INCI without the suffix ‘(nano)’.
Zinc oxide in our mineral sunscreens
How does zinc oxide feel on the skin?
Zinc oxide is a fine powder; how it feels and looks depends on the amount and the base.
How does zinc oxide work on the skin?
Three mechanisms that make zinc oxide the classic mineral sun protection.
Absorbing, not mirroring
Zinc oxide mainly absorbs UV radiation; only about 4–5% is reflected in the UV range (Cole et al. 2016).
Strong in UVA
In long-wave UVA (340–380 nm), finely dispersed zinc oxide gave better protection than titanium dioxide in one measurement (Pinnell et al. 2000).
Stays on the skin
On intact skin, zinc oxide particles were found only on the surface and in the uppermost layer of the stratum corneum (Filipe et al. 2009).
What can you use zinc oxide for?
High sun protection for face and body
Lip Balm SPF15 with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Waterproof solid sunscreen for climbing, hiking, surfing
Solid stick for forehead, nose, cheeks and ears
SPF 50 for high-UV days at altitude
Mini in Light Sand with beige iron oxide pigments
Tested water-resistant; reapply after swimming and towelling
Zinc oxide pairs especially well with …
Three of them are in our solid sunscreens; one complements your evening care.
Rounds out the protection – both mineral, both non-nano.
Learn moreMakes the sunscreen creamier and more nourishing.
Learn moreGives the solid sunscreen its shape and firmness.
Learn moreAs a care oil in the evening, once the sunscreen is washed off.
Learn moreGlossary
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