What Is Non-Nano Zinc Oxide? (And Why ThermaSun Uses It)
Non-nano zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter with larger-than-nanoscale particles that sits on the skin’s surface. Here’s what it means — and the Australian science behind ThermaSun’s zinc.
What is non-nano zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide particles in sunscreen can be made at different sizes. Non-nano zinc oxide means the particles are larger than the nanoscale threshold (generally taken as larger than 100 nanometres). Many consumers specifically look for non-nano zinc for personal preference and reef considerations.
Where ThermaSun’s zinc comes from
ThermaSun is built on ZinClear® XP, a pharmaceutical/cosmetic-grade non-nano zinc oxide. The underlying technology was originally developed by researchers at the University of Western Australia and commercialised by Advance ZincTek (ASX:ANO), an Australian company formed in 1997 that supplies dozens of skincare brands worldwide. It’s genuinely Australian science and an Australian-made active.
Australian origin
Technology first developed at the University of Western Australia.
Non-nano
Larger-than-nanoscale zinc oxide particles.
Pharma/cosmetic grade
Made to a high manufacturing standard.
Used worldwide
Trusted by dozens of skincare brands.
Does non-nano zinc absorb into skin?
The TGA’s literature review concluded that even zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate beyond the outer layer of healthy skin. Non-nano particles are larger still, sitting on the skin’s surface to reflect and absorb UV.
Frequently asked questions
What is non-nano zinc oxide in sunscreen?
Non-nano zinc oxide is zinc oxide whose particles are larger than the nanoscale threshold (generally larger than 100 nanometres). It's a mineral UV filter that sits on the skin's surface. ThermaSun uses ZinClear XP non-nano zinc oxide, an Australian-made active whose technology was originally developed at the University of Western Australia.
Is non-nano zinc oxide better than nano?
Many consumers prefer non-nano zinc for personal and reef-related reasons. On safety, the TGA's literature review found that even nano zinc oxide does not penetrate healthy skin. Non-nano particles are larger and sit on the surface.
Where is ThermaSun's zinc made?
ThermaSun uses ZinClear XP non-nano zinc oxide from Advance ZincTek, an Australian company (ASX:ANO) formed in 1997 to commercialise technology originally developed at the University of Western Australia. The finished sunscreen is made in Queensland by VeganicSKN.
Does non-nano zinc leave a white cast?
Non-nano zinc can leave more of a white cast than nano or tinted formulas. ThermaSun offers tinted options with iron oxides to reduce the cast for everyday face wear.
Why you can trust the zinc in ThermaSun
ThermaSun is built on ZinClear® XP — a pharmaceutical/cosmetic-grade, non-nano zinc oxide whose underlying technology was originally developed by researchers at the University of Western Australia and commercialised by Advance ZincTek (ASX:ANO), an Australian company formed in 1997. It’s the same Australian-made mineral active trusted by dozens of skincare brands worldwide.
Every ThermaSun sunscreen is then made in Queensland by VeganicSKN, is TGA listed (with its AUST L number printed on the pack and searchable on the ARTG), and is batch SPF tested on every production run. Zinc oxide is the broad-spectrum mineral UV filter the TGA recognises, and our zinc-only formulas contain no oxybenzone or octinoxate, so they’re reef safe.
ThermaSun is Australian made in Queensland by VeganicSKN. Always read the label and use only as directed. Sunscreen is one part of sun protection — combine with shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or towelling.