Nanomox launches low-energy zinc oxide for mineral sunscreen white cast
Key takeaways
- Nanomox has launched a cosmetic-grade zinc oxide aimed at the visible white cast that limits mineral sunscreen adoption.
- Third-party testing recorded an SPF of about 43, compared with about 37 for the leading commercial benchmark.
- The company’s ionic liquid process runs on electricity at lower temperatures, using up to 97% less energy than furnace-based production.
Nanomox has developed a new cosmetic-grade zinc oxide designed to improve the performance and transparency of mineral sunscreen formulations. The advanced materials company has also developed a manufacturing process that uses up to 97% less energy than conventional furnace-based production.
The launch targets two persistent pain points in mineral sunscreen formulation: whitening and SPF efficiency. Nanomox says its solution arrives as beauty brands face growing pressure to offer effective, non-nano alternatives to chemical UV filters. Additionally, its greener manufacturing claim adds a sustainability angle that could appeal to formulators weighing both performance and environmental footprint.
Beyond the white cast
Nanomox, pioneering ionic liquid-based chemistry, introduced its cosmetic-grade zinc oxide engineered to improve the performance and sustainability of mineral sunscreen formulations. The solution was made using the company’s proprietary patented Oxidative Ionothermal Synthesis process.
The ingredient is said to deliver high-performance UV protection with enhanced transparency through precise control of particle size, shape, and crystallinity. Independent third-party testing found that a formulation using the material achieved an in vitro SPF of approximately 43, compared with approximately 37 for the highest-performing commercial benchmark tested under identical conditions.
The uncoated dry powder is available now for formulation trials.
The zinc oxide is touted to address the challenge of visible white residue in mineral-based sunscreens while also enabling the future recovery of valuable metals from industrial waste streams. Nanomox plans to expand its cosmetic ingredients portfolio with non-nano and coated zinc oxide grades.
Nanomox is now working with beauty and skin care brands, formulation partners, contract manufacturers, and R&D teams to trial its material across a range of mineral sunscreen formulations. The company provides access to technical support throughout product development, from initial material evaluation and formulation development through to testing, to facilitate commercial adoption.
Nanomox Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Grade (nano) is available today as an uncoated dry powder for formulation development and performance evaluation. Additional products currently in progress include non-nano zinc oxide grades, coated zinc oxide grades, and ready-to-use dispersions designed to simplify formulation and enhance compatibility with commercial sunscreen systems.
Lower-carbon manufacturing
Traditional zinc oxide manufacturing is highly energy-intensive, typically relying on furnaces in which metallic zinc is heated to over 900°C before reacting with oxygen to form zinc oxide. In contrast, Nanomox’s proprietary ionic liquid chemistry method operates at lower temperatures and is said to deliver enhanced material performance.
The process is also powered by electricity, which can be decarbonized through renewable sources, rather than the natural gas required for furnace-based production — offering a pathway to lower scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Looking ahead, Nanomox is extending its sustainability goals by seeking to recover and refine zinc from industrial waste streams, including residues generated by steel manufacturing. 
Nanomox targets the white cast that limits mineral sunscreen adoption.
According to the company, globally, steel mills produce an estimated 16 million tons of electric arc furnace dust containing up to 2.8 million tons of zinc landfilled every year, which represents a combined lost annual value of approximately US$9 billion. By combining lower-carbon manufacturing with resource recovery, Nanomox aims to establish a circular supply of high-performance zinc oxide for cosmetic applications and help sunscreen brands achieve a lower environmental footprint.
Beyond the cosmetics industry, the zinc oxide’s underlying technology platform is being developed for broader applications across advanced materials and metal recovery. The company says it is continuing to optimize the material for performance and cost competitiveness.
The launch follows Nanomox’s £2.4 million (US$3.25 million) seed investment round, which is funding the development of the company’s first commercial pilot plant and R&D facility. Its new premises will enable production at larger volumes, accelerate product development, and support growing commercial demand across multiple industries.
