Nanomox introduces cosmetic zinc oxide to boost sunscreen performance
The production method uses up to 97% less energy than traditional furnace-based techniques, offering a far more efficient and sustainable approach to advanced material manufacturing.
UK – Nanomox, a sustainable technology company, has unveiled a new cosmetic-grade zinc oxide engineered to reduce the visible white cast that has long limited consumer acceptance of mineral sunscreens, while delivering higher SPF performance through a lower-energy manufacturing process.
The company’s zinc oxide is produced using its proprietary Oxidative Ionothermal Synthesis process, which enables precise control over particle size, shape, and crystallinity to improve UV protection and transparency in final formulations.
In independent third-party testing, a sunscreen formulation using Nanomox’s material achieved an in vitro SPF of approximately 43, outperforming the leading commercial benchmark, which recorded an SPF of about 37 under identical test conditions.
By addressing whitening without compromising efficacy, the ingredient positions mineral filters as more viable alternatives to chemical UV absorbers as brands face increasing demand for non-nano, “clean” sunscreen options.
Sustainability and manufacturing innovation
Nanomox’s production method runs on electricity at lower temperatures and reportedly uses up to 97% less energy than conventional furnace-based zinc oxide manufacturing, which typically heats metallic zinc above 900°C.
Since the process is electrically powered, it offers a pathway to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions when paired with renewable energy, unlike natural gas–dependent furnace routes.
The company also plans to extend its sustainability impact by recovering and refining zinc from industrial waste streams, such as electric arc furnace dust from steel mills, which currently sends millions of tons of zinc-bearing residues to landfill annually.
Nanomox estimates that this waste represents around USD 9 billion in lost value each year, and its circular approach aims to convert that into a lower-carbon supply of high-performance zinc oxide for cosmetics.
Commercial availability and roadmap
Nanomox Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Grade (nano) is currently available as an uncoated dry powder for formulation development and performance evaluation, and the company supports brands, contract manufacturers, and R&D teams with technical assistance from material screening to testing.
The pipeline includes non-nano and coated zinc oxide grades, as well as ready-to-use dispersions designed to simplify incorporation into commercial sunscreen systems and improve compatibility across different formula types.
The launch follows a £2.4 million (about USD 3.25 million) seed investment that will fund Nanomox’s first commercial pilot plant and R&D facility, enabling larger-volume production and accelerated product development to meet growing demand across multiple industries.
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