Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen that forms a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting and scattering harmful UV rays. In contrast, chemical sunscreens—such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate—absorb into the skin (and ultimately the bloodstream), where they convert UV radiation into heat.

Why Zinc Oxide Is the Gold Standard in Sun Protection

We’ve concluded that zinc oxide is the safest and most effective active sunscreen ingredient available. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which require multiple compounds to achieve broad-spectrum coverage, zinc oxide is the only single-ingredient sunscreen that effectively blocks UVA, UVB, and even UVC rays.

• UVB rays are linked to DNA damage and skin cancer.

• UVA rays accelerate photoaging, contributing to wrinkles, roughness, broken capillaries, and age spots.

• Non-broad-spectrum sunscreens only protect against UVB, leaving skin vulnerable to long-term UVA damage.

Protecting More Than Just Skin: The Environmental Impact

Beyond human health, we exclusively use non-nano zinc to safeguard marine ecosystems. Chemical UV filters—including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene—disrupt coral reproductive cycles, damage DNA, and accelerate coral bleaching.

Oxybenzone is particularly concerning. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 97% of Americans have oxybenzone in their bloodstream, where it has been shown to disrupt hormone function. The risks increase when these sunscreens are used in aerosol sprays, as inhalation presents additional health concerns.

Cruelty-Free Formulation

As of February 2025, the FDA now requires all non-mineral (chemical) sunscreens to undergo animal testing to maintain regulatory approval in the U.S. This means that any brand formulating with chemical UV filters can no longer remain truly cruelty-free. Because PROTECT is formulated exclusively with zinc oxide, we can continue to uphold our commitment to cruelty-free skincare, ensuring that no animals are harmed in the making of our sun protection.

Why Isn’t All Sunscreen Made with Zinc?

Achieving high SPF protection with mineral sunscreens requires a significantly higher concentration of zinc oxide, making these formulations more expensive than chemical alternatives. Additionally, traditional zinc sunscreens can leave a white cast, which has contributed to the dominance of cheap, chemical-based formulas.

Innovation Meets Performance: PROTECT

It takes advanced formulation expertise to create a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing mineral sunscreen. After 4.5 years of meticulous research and development, we are proud to introduce PROTECT—a non-nano, non-coated zinc oxide sunscreen that blends seamlessly into the skin for a transparent, glowing, and protected finish. Because sun protection should never come at the cost of your health or the environment.