To qualify as a safe & effective, broad-spectrum sun protector, two ingredients that are highest in the EWG’s list of sunscreen ingredients are – Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. But this is a generic conclusion and there is more to read on a sunscreen label…

When talking about mineral Sunscreen, Particle Size Matters. For improving the efficacy of a mineral-based sunscreen and utilizing its broad-spectrum powers, the technology known as ‘micronizing’ is extremely important to the product being made of clean, organic ingredients…

Zinc Oxide & Sunscreen

Zinc Oxide is naturally found as the mineral ‘Zincite’  It is a physical/barrier sun block that:

• Doesn’t break down easily under the sun,
• Provides complete protection against UVA, UVB & UVC rays, and
• Run no known health risks.

However, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) comes with the distinct physical and cosmetic drawbacks both being difficult to apply and of creating an opaque appearance or a ‘white cast’ when applied on the skin. To make it both usable and effective, the compound needs to be broken down into smaller particles. This makes the product much easier to apply, reduces the “white cast” effect while increasing the SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

Different Sunscreen Particle Sizes

Different sunscreen formulations have different physical forms of Zinc Oxide. For simplification, here is the difference between ‘nanoparticulated’and  ‘micronized’. and ‘nano-particles’:

• Nanosized/ Nano Particles – Here each particle is less than 100 nanometers in diameter (or 0.1 microns).

Most nanosized/nanoparticles used in Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide-based commercial sunscreens are about 2 nanometers in size. They are hardly visible on the skin but may be toxic and provide no cover against UVA and blue light. If not exclusively mentioned, certain terms like ‘sheer’, ‘invisible zinc’, or ‘clear’ may also indicate that the product is likely made with nanosized particles.

• Micronized – The particles are between 0.1 to 100 microns. Particles that are this size allow for not only greater sunscreen protection, but also a much easier application and no “ghostly white sheen”.

• Non-Nano Particle – Any particle greater in size than 100 nanometers is called a non-nano particle.

Besides being non-toxic, Micronized and Non-nano particles have a broad coverage against UVA, UVB, and Blue light when compared to Nanoparticulated and Titanium Dioxide variants.

Concerns with NanoSized/Nano-particles

Scientifically proven, Nanosized or Nanoparticles are dangerous to inhale/ingest. They can also get washed away to enter into the oceans and affect the reefs and marine life. Although, contrary to previous studies, there is currently no clear-cut evidence that proves these forms can penetrate the skin barrier or enter into the bloodstream.

Switching to Micronized or Non-nano Zinc Sunscreen

The FDA is not currently against various rules of sizing. However, EWG has strongly urged for a review regarding the safety concerns with nanosized/nanoparticulated Zinc Oxide. Besides the ill effects to end consumers, the workers who make these products also run an associated health risk.

For the reasons aforementioned, the best sunscreen is the one that has micronized or non-nano Zinc Particles.

At Puraveda Organics, our Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SunProtect SPF 30+ is made with 22% Micronized / Non-nano Zinc Oxide (Zero Nano Particles).  This ensures it is non-toxic as well as reef-safe! Additionally, the formula is 100% Organic and made with pure botanical actives like Calendula, Ginkgo, Green Tea, Shea Butter, and other cold-pressed oils/ clinically proven skin actives that not only give complete protection from the UV rays but also calm and heal the skin.

Being micronized, SunProtect is easy to apply evenly on application (no white sheen), lightweight, and non-greasy. You can use it as a base under makeup and for all outdoor activities, swimming, pool, or vacation. Make sure you reapply every 2 hours or post sweating/swimming for continued protection.

Want to learn how SunProtect can also reverse hyperpigmentation? Read more about the revolutionary proprietary blend..here…

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