MyPure Journal · Ingredients
What Does Non-Nano Mean?
If you’ve been shopping for natural beauty products, you’ve probably seen the term “non nano.” It appears on sunscreens, skincare, make up and even toothpaste. But what does it actually mean?
“Non-nano simply describes the size of an ingredient’s particles — giving you clear, honest information about how a product has been formulated.”
The Short Answer
Non-nano refers to the particle size of an ingredient. A nanomaterial has particles measuring roughly 1 to 100 nanometres; a non-nano version of the same ingredient simply has larger particles. The ingredient itself is identical — only the size differs.
What Is a Nano Ingredient?
The word nano simply refers to size. A nanometre is one billionth of a metre. In cosmetics, ingredients with particles measuring around 1 to 100 nanometres are classed as nanomaterials.
A non-nano ingredient has larger particles. The ingredient itself is exactly the same — only the particle size is different.
Which Ingredients Are Available in Nano Form?
Some ingredients that may be used in nano form include:
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Silica
- Hydroxyapatite
These ingredients are used because smaller particles can improve texture, reduce whitening and create a smoother finish.
Which Cosmetics May Contain Nano Ingredients?
Nano ingredients are most commonly associated with mineral sunscreens, but they may also be used in:
- Sunscreens
- Moisturisers
- Foundations and BB creams
- Face powders
- Primers
- Toothpastes
- Some anti-ageing products
Whether a product contains nano ingredients depends on its formulation.
Are Nano Ingredients Safe?
Nano ingredients used in UK and European cosmetics are subject to strict safety assessments before they can be approved for use.
Current evidence indicates that approved nanomaterials are safe when used as intended.
What Are the Health Concerns Around Nano Ingredients?
While approved nanomaterials are considered safe for use in leave-on and rinse-off skin products, research is ongoing and some questions remain open. The main areas of scientific discussion are:
- Skin penetration — standard-sized mineral particles sit on the skin’s surface and do not absorb. With nano-sized particles, some research suggests they may penetrate more deeply into hair follicles or damaged skin, though the evidence is not conclusive for intact skin.
- Inhalation — the most significant concern relates to sprays and loose powders. Inhaled nano particles are small enough to reach the lungs, which is why the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety advises that nano titanium dioxide should not be used in applications that could lead to lung exposure.
- Free radical activity — some laboratory studies have found that nano titanium dioxide can generate free radicals under UV light, which could theoretically cause cellular damage. This has not been consistently demonstrated in real-world conditions.
The regulatory position is that nano zinc oxide and nano titanium dioxide are safe for topical use at approved concentrations. The precautionary concerns are real enough, however, that many natural brands — and their customers — choose non-nano formulations as a matter of principle.
How Can I Tell If a Product Contains Nano Ingredients?
UK and European cosmetic regulations require nano ingredients to be clearly labelled on the ingredients list. If a nano form is used, the word (nano) must appear directly after the ingredient name.
What to look for on the label
If (nano) does not appear after the ingredient name, it is not present in nano form.
Why Do Natural Brands Prefer Non-Nano?
Many natural and organic brands choose non-nano ingredients because they align with their formulation philosophy and, in some cases, natural certification standards.
This is particularly common with mineral sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide.
The Bottom Line
“Non-nano is about particle size, not safety. It gives you useful information about how a product has been formulated — nothing more, nothing less.”
Non-nano simply describes the size of an ingredient’s particles. It does not automatically mean a product is safer or more effective, but it does give consumers useful information about how a product has been formulated. Whether you choose products with nano or non-nano ingredients, the most important factors are quality, safety and choosing products that are right for your skin.
Natural Skincare at MyPure
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Every product we stock at MyPure uses non-nano ingredients. It is a requirement for all brands we carry — not a nice-to-have.
We believe customers should have clear, honest information so they can make informed choices — without unnecessary fear or confusing marketing claims.
Transparency is at the heart of everything we do.
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