At Not the Norm, our sunscreen prioritises both human health and environmental sustainability. Our Shade All-Natural Sunscreen reflects this commitment, using non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient. As the conversation around sunscreen safety intensifies, our decision to use zinc oxide is grounded in evidence and supported by the latest findings in dermatological and environmental research.

The shift to mineral sunscreens like ours represents more than a trend - it’s a revolution in how we think about sun protection, spurred by growing concerns about chemical sunscreen ingredients.

The Science of Safe Sunscreens: FDA and Research Insights

In its recent assessments, the FDA reviewed 16 active ingredients commonly used in sunscreens to determine their safety. Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide were classified as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE). The remaining ingredients, predominantly found in chemical sunscreens, require further study due to evidence of systemic absorption and potential health risks.

A landmark study published in JAMA found that chemical sunscreen components like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate enter the bloodstream after a single application, with levels far exceeding the FDA’s threshold for safety testing. Concerns raised include hormonal disruption, allergenic reactions, and unknown long-term effects.

Given these findings, the choice to use non-nano zinc oxide in Shade All-Natural Sunscreen is clear. Zinc oxide provides a highly effective, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical filters.

Why Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Is the Safer Choice

Non-nano zinc oxide works differently from chemical sunscreens, offering a host of advantages:

Surface-level protection without absorption
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which penetrate the skin and absorb UV radiation, non-nano zinc oxide forms a protective barrier on the surface. This means no systemic absorption and no potential for disrupting your body’s natural processes.

Broad-spectrum UV defence
Zinc oxide is one of the few sunscreen ingredients that effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This broad-spectrum coverage is achieved without the need for multiple chemical compounds.

Hypoallergenic and gentle
Non-nano zinc oxide is non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin, children, and those with conditions like eczema or rosacea. In contrast, chemical sunscreens often contain allergens or irritants that exacerbate skin issues.

Photostability
Many chemical sunscreens degrade when exposed to sunlight, reducing their effectiveness over time. Zinc oxide remains stable under UV radiation, ensuring consistent protection.

Environmentally responsible
Chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone are associated with coral bleaching and marine toxicity, even in trace amounts. Non-nano zinc oxide, as used in Shade, is reef-safe, protecting marine ecosystems.

Why We Skipped Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide is the other mineral sunscreen ingredient recognised by the FDA as safe and effective. While it’s a solid option, it primarily protects against UVB rays, leaving a gap in UVA protection. Zinc oxide, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive coverage, which is why we chose it as our star ingredient.

The Case Against Chemical Sunscreens

While chemical sunscreens dominate the market due to their lightweight feel and widespread availability, their drawbacks are increasingly hard to ignore:

• Systemic absorption: Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are absorbed into the bloodstream and have been detected in breast milk and urine. The long-term health implications remain uncertain.
• Hormonal disruption: Some chemical filters mimic oestrogen, potentially affecting hormonal balance and reproductive health.
• Environmental harm: Several studies link chemical sunscreens to coral reef damage, prompting bans in ecologically sensitive areas like Hawaii and the Maldives.
• Incomplete protection: Chemical sunscreens often require combinations of ingredients to achieve full-spectrum UV defence, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.

These issues underscore the need for safer, more sustainable alternatives, making non-nano zinc oxide the clear choice for conscientious consumers.

Our Commitment to Science-Backed Protection

Our mission is to provide sun protection that aligns with the latest research in health and environmental science. Shade All-Natural Sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, ensuring:

• Comprehensive UV protection without compromising your health.
• Stability and safety, with no absorption into the bloodstream.
• Sustainability, safeguarding coral reefs, marine and freshwater life.

Our approach reflects a broader shift in sunscreen formulation - a move away from potentially harmful chemical filters toward mineral-based solutions that respect both human and planetary health.

Leading the Sunscreen Revolution

As awareness grows about the risks associated with chemical sunscreens, more consumers are making the switch to mineral sunscreens like Shade. The sunscreen revolution isn’t just about better products; it’s about informed choices, backed by science, that prioritise long-term health and environmental stewardship.

With non-nano zinc oxide at its core, Shade All-Natural Sunscreen represents the future of sun protection. Join us in embracing a safer, smarter way to protect your skin and the world around us.