Nano or Non-Nano Mineral Sunscreen. That is the Question (but really, it isn’t)

The Great Debate : Nano vs. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreens

There's two kinds of sunscreen: chemical and mineral (also called physical). Everyone that follows us has to listen to me yapp about the dangers of chemical sunscreen all the time. But what about nano zinc oxide? Is that still OK? Keep reading because the answer might surprise you.

What do "nano" and non-nano" really mean anyways?

Good question. A nano particle is anything less than 100 nanometers in diameter. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. So really small. You can fit thousands of these particles across the width of a human hair (source). Nano particles are small enough to be absorbed through the skin and maybe even small enough for coral to absorb them. The jury's still out though as there isn't much research about the toxicity of nano zinc oxide (source).

Non-nano particles are greater than 100 nano meters in diameter. The non-nano zinc oxide we use in Sun Potions Tinted Face + Body and Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreens is 150-300 nano meters in diameter. While we aren't sure about the toxicity of nano zinc oxide, we are absolutely sure that non-nano zinc isn't toxic for you or the earth.

Why do some sunscreens even bother using nano zinc oxide?

With the uncertainty surrounding nano zinc oxide why would manufacturers even use it? Well, because the particles are so small, sunscreens made with nano zinc oxide don't have the "white cast" that's normally associated with mineral sunscreens. If you aren't sure if a sunscreen uses nano or non-nano zinc oxide, sunscreens with non-nano will always say "non-nano" on the ingredient list. It's like a badge of honor. Sunscreens made with nano zinc oxide will simply read, "Zinc Oxide."

Sun Potions has a Clear Non-Nano Zinc Oxide formula

How's that possible? We use a non-nano zinc oxide with a hydrophobic coating derived from coconut oil. This allows the non-nano zinc oxide to disperse and spread more easily, which improves its transparency. It's a big improvement from our past formulas. Additionally, our Tinted Face + Body Mineral Sunscreens also use a coated non-nano zinc oxide, so give our sustainable, reef safe mineral sunscreens a try!

Head to our website and use the code NONNANO for free shipping on your full order!