ZnO non-nano
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is powdered, oxidized zinc derived from the naturally occurring mineral, zincite, and routinely used in a wide range of consumer products.
Zinc Oxide is well recognized as a key sunscreen ingredient that is effective in providing protection from UV light. It plays an important role in safeguarding public health. It is also widely used as an additive in rubbers, plastics, ceramics, lubricants, paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants, pigments, foods, first-aid tapes and other materials and products.
When used in sunscreen products, ZnO acts as a physical block to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, helping to reduce or prevent sunburn and premature aging of the skin. Preventing sunburn is an important factor in reducing skin cancer risk. Zinc oxide is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB reflector approved for use as a sunscreen by the FDA and is allowed in concentrations up to 25%. When used as an ingredient in sunscreen, zinc oxide screens both UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (280–320 nm) rays of ultraviolet light.
ZnO is widely used to treat a variety of skin conditions in products such as calamine cream and antisepticointments, and as a skin protectant ingredient in products including in concentrations up to 40% in diaper rash ointments.
Mineral based sunscreen with the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral-based, so rather than being absorbed like traditional sunscreen, the particles of these ingredients sit on top of the skin and block harmful UV rays. These ingredients are less harmful to corals and are not linked to coral bleaching.
Indication that ingredients are “non-nano”. In order for mineral sunblocks to leave corals untouched, they must be “non-nano”, meaning the ingredient particles must be above 100 nanometers in size so that they cannot be ingested by corals.
Reef-safe labels. Typically companies will label their products as “reef-safe”.
WE ONLY OSE ZnO, WHY?
What is the difference between titanium dioxide and zinc oxide?
The answer is Zinc Oxide is a much safer and more effective sunscreen than Titanium Dioxide based on physical chemistry and biological effects. Planet B uses Zinc Oxide instead of Titanium Dioxide for the following four reasons:
Titanium Dioxide’s UV absorption spectrum is not as broad spectrum in UVA and UVB as is Zinc Oxide; Zinc Oxide is a better absorber across more wavelengths which results in better, safer protection for you and your family.
Titanium Dioxide creates more free radicals that do oxidative damage to your body and skin cells, and increases aging processes.
Zinc Oxide is the
ONLY
sunscreen active ingredient that’s been
tested and FDA approved for use on babies
under 6 months of age and children – this illustrates its high degree of safety. It’s approved by FDA for use in diaper rash products to 50%, which illustrates its safety on the most sensitive skin on the planet.
Titanium Dioxide contains Titanium, which is a metal that has no biological purpose in our bodies and poorly defined long term exposure risks; Zinc is a critical mineral nutrient that keeps us healthy. You won’t find Titanium in a multivitamin if you take one, but you certainly will find Zinc!
Like what you’re reading? Try our zinc oxide Sunscreens!