To return an item purchased online, please post the item to:
Aesop Online
55 Keele Street
Collingwood
Victoria 3066
Australia
Tel: +61 3 9415 9868
If sending by post, you are responsible for the applicable shipping and additional postage charges.
Alternatively, you can take your item with your original purchase receipt to any of our signature stores.
Please note items that have been purchased from other online stores, or through our department stores or retail stockists, cannot be returned at our signature stores.
All items must be returned unopened and in their original saleable condition to be eligible for return. Please refer to our Delivery and Returns policy for further information regarding returns and exchanges.
Standard shipping: Within ten working days (Monday–Friday, excluding official public holidays).
Express shipping: Within three working days (Monday–Friday, excluding official public holidays).
You will receive an email containing tracking details once your order has been dispatched.
Please note delivery time frames are a guideline and subject to any unforeseen or unavoidable events beyond Aesop’s reasonable control.
Yes, you will be required to sign for your order.
Australia Post offers Authority to Leave as an option on all Standard shipping deliveries. This option will become available to you upon email communication from Australia Post after your order is dispatched. Should you specify Authority to Leave on your parcel, you will be liable for your parcel’s safe delivery.
We are unable to make amendments to any details pertaining to your online order once it has been confirmed. This ensures that all orders are efficiently processed and dispatched with immediacy.
Once your order has been confirmed we are unable to facilitate amendments to delivery information.
When your order is dispatched, you will receive an email to the email address you used to place your order with tracking details.
Orders placed on the Australian Aesop website can only be delivered within Australia.
To place an order to be delivered to another country, please open the destination menu from the footer section of the website and select the country you wish to ship to.
From here, you will be redirected to the Aesop website that services your chosen region, and can proceed to order your items. Note that prices will be displayed in the destination’s currency. If you cannot find your preferred destination, regrettably we do not ship to that country at this time.
To purchase Aesop products locally, you can locate your nearest Aesop Signature Store or stockist by using the Aesop online store locator.
You are welcome to purchase up to five of the same product per order.
If you wish to place a large order, we invite you to visit the Corporate Gifts page for further details.
At this time Aesop does not facilitate the collection of orders placed on Aesop.com within our signature store spaces or Myer counters.
Gift orders will include a gift receipt which does not contain information pertaining to payment details or pricing. An Aesop invoice, which will include your billing details, will be included to notify your recipient of the sender of their parcel.
We are unable to process split shipments within one order. We invite you to place these orders separately.
We are pleased to offer complimentary gift wrapping with all online orders.
For gift wrapping of individual items, please place separate online orders or contact our Customer Service team aesoponline@aesop.com.
If an item has been damaged in transit, Aesop will provide you with a full refund or replacement.
Please email aesoponline@aesop.com with your order details.
Complimentary sample bundles are included with all online orders. You will be prompted at checkout to select an offering from a collection of sample bundles available.
Should you wish to specify the samples included in your online order, we ask that you follow the below process:
1. Upon specifying the delivery address and shipping method, select the option box 'This is a gift for someone special'.
2. Select the following option box 'I would like to add a personal message'.
3. In the section titled 'Gift message', detail the product samples you wish to have included with your order.
Aesop.com does not currently accept PayPal as a payment method for Digital Gift Cards.
Many vitamins used in our skin care products are included primarily to provide anti-oxidant defence against free radicals.
The incidence of these reactive, airborne compounds is growing, and when they attach to your skin they oxidise, causing damage. A simple analogy is a sliced apple. Left unprotected, the flesh of the apple quickly turns brown as it reacts with the air, but lemon juice (a potent anti-oxidant) squeezed over the apple will dramatically slow this process.
While providing anti-oxidant protection, some vitamins can also assist in hydrating and softening the skin.
Scientifically speaking, botanical oils closely resemble human skin in terms of their physical and chemical composition. This means formulations containing these extracts are easily absorbed by the skin.
There are three key types of plant extracts we use in our products: freeze-dried extracts, steam and CO2 extracted oils and crushed or total extracted oils.
All of the oils obtained by these methods are light and greaseless (and more volatile) when compared to synthetic mineral oils.
Skin sensitivities can be unpredictable. If you have experienced a reaction, we recommend you stop using all products for a full week. This will give your skin the chance to recover from whatever was aggravating it.
You may wish to test the Aesop products you have on separate patches of skin away from your face. Allow twenty-four hours to assess your skin's response. If you find there is no reaction, repeat the process. Again, allow twenty-four hours for assessment.
If neither of these tests results in an adverse reaction, apply a small amount of your product to your face. Use less product than you normally would in the first instance, then slowly increase the amount. If your skin reacts or symptoms persist despite not using any products, we suggest you consult with a dermatologist.
If you are a first-time user of Aesop or you are experimenting with new Aesop products, we recommend you visit an Aesop store or an Aesop retailer for a face-to-face consultation. If this is not possible, we advise you to call one of our stores for an over-the-phone consultation. Consultations will assist you to ascertaining which products are best suited to your skin.
We understand that many women seek alternatives to botanically rich products during pregnancy; however, to our knowledge there is no risk associated with using any Aesop formulation in the manner we prescribe during pregnancy.
Aesop is committed to providing accurate information, however, this information is not intended to replace advice from your qualified medical practitioner.
We recommend that you speak with your obstetrician or dermatologist should you have any concerns regarding your particular circumstances.
The ‘best before’ measure of your Aesop product is determined by the time of opening. The jar icon on the side of the label indicates the number of months the product will be at its best once open. For example, 12M equals one year from date of opening, 9M equals nine months from date of opening.
All cosmetic ingredients have the potential to irritate sensitive skin regardless of the amount present in an individual product or the method in which it is used.
Irritations can sometimes occur in the regular course of our daily lives, even where we have used and enjoyed a product successfully for many years. The trigger for a reaction can be an unexpected one and may not necessarily repeat itself in the same way. We ask that you consider any changes to your regular routine that may have triggered the reaction (dietary, contact with possible allergens such as household cleaning liquids etc.).
Where one experiences an adverse reaction to any cosmetic preparation, the best course of action is to discontinue use and if necessary, consult your medical practitioner to establish whether you have experienced an irritation or an allergy.
In the unlikely event that you experience an adverse reaction to an Aesop product, please discontinue use and return it to the place of purchase. Do not hesitate to contact us with the details of your reaction.
Please refer to our Delivery and Returns policy for further information regarding the conditions of return and exchange.
Do Aesop products contain alcohol?
Alcohol is a general chemical category that refers to many different substances with broadly different properties and uses.
Ethyl Alcohol (also called Ethanol) is the most commonly known alcohol—this is the alcohol that is found in alcoholic drinks. It is a small molecule and, because of its size and chemical properties, evaporates readily. We utilise perfume-grade Ethanol in our fragrances and Aromatique Room Sprays.
The Ethyl Alcohol utilised in a number of our other products is a cosmetic-grade alcohol derived from the fermentation of sugar. Its ingredient listing is ‘Alcohol Denat’—resulting from the inclusion of a denaturant, to prevent it from being consumed. The denaturant ingredients can vary, but they never exceed one per cent, and do not affect safety.
The term ‘Alcohol-free’ refers to any formulation which does not contain Ethyl Alcohol.
Yes, Aesop creams, serums and oils can be worn under makeup.
Some wonder whether the high content of botanical ingredients will interfere with makeup, but it will not. However, you may like to experiment with the time it takes for your preferred Aesop hydrating product to fully absorb into your skin prior to applying your makeup.
We recommend you keep your products in a cool place away from direct light, or better yet, in the refrigerator. This advice applies for all Aesop products, regardless of whether they are contained in glass, plastic or aluminium.
The label on your Aesop product displays an icon, next to the batch number, that tells you how many months your product will be at its best.
It is best to use clean hands when dipping into jars, or to use a teaspoon or small spatula to scoop out product for use.
A great number of our products are packaged in pharmaceutical-grade amber glass, as many formulations contain a high concentration of active botanical extracts, the stability of which cannot be guaranteed if they are housed in plastic.
We do make an effort to use recyclable plastic or aluminium containers where we are confident this will not compromise the product.
We recommend you visit an Aesop signature store or an Aesop retailer for a face-to-face consultation, or speak with one of our consultants on Live Assistance.
You may also call one of our stores for an over-the-phone consultation. Consultations will assist you to ascertaining which products are best suited to your skin.
We have endeavoured to provide a wealth of information about each product on this site. Each product is accompanied by best-usage guidance, recommendations of complementary formulas as well as specific information about which skin types each product is best suited to.
Aesop products contain essential oils, selected for the known benefits they can offer the skin. There are naturally occurring compounds in essential oils, with some classified as allergens by European Union (EU) regulations.
When formulating our products, we take careful note of the findings and recommendations issued by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and ensure that the levels of all essential oils we use—and therefore the allergens they may contain—fall well below the limits recommended by IFRA and other worldwide regulatory agencies.
The presence of any allergens within a product is clearly labelled, forming part of the ingredient list, in accordance with EU regulations.
No Aesop product contains parabens.
No Aesop products are phototoxic. The citrus oils we utilise in our formulations either have these furanocoumarins removed prior to use, or are present in such low levels that the respective products are not phototoxic.
Several citrus extracts can have a direct phototoxic effect on the skin, resulting in skin discolouration when in direct contact with UV light.
This is caused by a constituent of some citrus oils called furanocoumarins, which are present in Bergamot Peel, Bitter Orange Peel, Grapefruit Peel, Lemon Peel and Lime Peel oils.
Aesop employs both botanical and man-made ingredients to perform particular functions in our range of formulations. Except for our personal fragrance range, three Aromatique Room Sprays and Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm (specifically, the Vanillin it contains), no Aesop product contains synthetic fragrance.
The Fragrance (Parfum) component of our personal fragrance range and Aromatique Room Sprays contains a blend of essentials oils, botanical extracts and synthetic ingredients.
We utilise this blend of ingredients to achieve a fragrance that is more intense and complex, and which has a greater staying power, than could be achieved using essential oils alone.
All components of the fragrance blends that we have utilised for our fragrances and our Aromatique Room Sprays have been carefully considered and evaluated for safety and efficacy prior to their inclusion. As with our essential oils, we take careful note of the findings and recommendations as issued by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and ensure that the levels of all fragrance components, whether botanical or synthetic in origin, fall well below the limits recommended by IFRA and other worldwide regulatory agencies.
We utilise Sodium Laureth Sulphate and Ammonium Laureth Sulphate in our Hand Washes, Body Cleansers and Shampoos as our experience has shown us that sulphate derivatives outperform alternatives in effectively cleansing the skin and hair.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate is derived from coconut and palm oil which undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen to convert them into a mild surfactant—or cleansing—agent.
Before we include this ingredient in our formulations, we ensure our suppliers use the necessary purification procedures to remove any traces of 1,4-dioxane that may have formed during the ethoxylation process.
No Aesop product contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
No Aesop product contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
Aesop products contain preservatives in necessary amounts. Their inclusion is crucial to the performance and longevity of the product.
We minimise the need for preservatives by packaging in dark protective glass and aluminium tubes (also thus minimising UV spoilage of product); including them only in the smallest possible doses. This approach ensures our products remain stable, blended and effective, and that they make it to your shelf in their most useful state.
The presence of preservatives within a product is clearly labelled, forming part of the ingredient list.
Aesop does not use MCIT or MIT in any product designed to be left on the skin.
A number of our rinse-off products contain a blend of MCIT and MIT, at levels well below the recommended limits set by regulatory agencies globally. This preservative blend is included in these formulations to protect the product and ensure longevity.
At Aesop we undertake systematic reviews of all existing products on an ongoing basis to ensure that our formulas are always as robust and effective as possible.
We are reformulating Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste and our Cleansing Masques to strengthen the efficacy and stability of the formulations, which will also include replacing both MCIT and MIT with alternative ingredients.
We utilise Phenoxyethanol as a preservative in a number of our formulations. Phenoxyethanol has been assessed as safe for use in cosmetic products by leading cosmetic agencies in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia up to one per cent. The levels of Phenoxyethanol contained in Aesop formulations is well below the limits set by global regulatory agencies.
As a company founded on steadfast ethics, our purpose has always been to tread as lightly as we can, with an unwavering commitment to quality, excellence and sustainability across ideas and formulas.
Like all responsible companies, we actively seek to understand the social, economic and environmental risks and impacts within our organisation and broader value chain, and to take active steps to minimise these. This is not without challenge, but we are attempting to improve our practices as honestly and transparently as we can.
We are currently developing our vision for the next ten years, with a continuing focus on:
No Aesop product or ingredient utilised in our formulations is tested on animals.
All new ingredients are reviewed by our Research and Development team prior to use. We research the registration status of these ingredients in world markets, and note any past testing. No animal testing has been conducted by the suppliers of ingredients since 11 March 2009. This is the date when the European Union enforced a ban on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients; and many of our suppliers stopped long before this date.
Before we consider entry into a new country we extensively review the regulatory requirements to ensure that compulsory animal testing on our products is not required.
All new products are tested for safety during our product development process using cumulative irritancy testing on human volunteers.
Before our products are released to the public, formulations are also assessed for safety by a qualified external agency, either a chemist or toxicologist. These agencies do not test on animals.
Yes. No animal-derived ingredients (such as beeswax, honey or lanolin) are used in Aesop products.
We do not use these words to describe our products. Many of our ingredients are ‘natural’ by definition, and some are not. We prefer to incorporate high-quality, scientifically validated and skin-friendly ingredients in our products to perform specific functions, from a selection of reputable sources.
Since Aesop’s inception, we have been fascinated with the benefits that plant-based products can have for the skin, and the remarkable results that science can deliver. We bring together the finest of human ingenuity and the natural world to make our exceptional products.
All Aesop cleansing products contain surfactants which comply with the ‘ultimate biodegradability’ status of the EU Detergents Directive and are compatible with septic tank waste systems. Our products are also phosphate-free and therefore suitable for use in water-recycling systems.
To read more about the ‘ultimate biodegradability’ status, please see the EU Detergents Directive.
Our cleansing products are phosphate-free and suitable for use in water-recycling systems.
The UV filters we have selected for use in our Protective Body Lotion SPF50, Protective Facial Lotion SPF25 and Protective Lip Balm SPF30 each have a well-demonstrated track record of safe use, and we can confirm that these products do not contain the following chemical sunscreen filters and preservatives commonly associated with coral bleaching; PABA, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor and Butylparaben.
In addition to our own stringent research, each of the UV filters we have used have been subject to comprehensive safety and toxicological review by regulatory agencies in Australia and Europe, among others, and have been determined safe for use in SPF protective products.
For the most part, the ingredients utilised in our Sun Care products are biodegradable or readily biodegradable according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In addition, Protective Body Lotion SPF50 has also been demonstrated to offer water resistance and there is therefore greatly reduced tendency for the product and its ingredients to transfer from skin to water.
Protective Body Lotion SPF50 and Protective Facial Lotion SPF25 do contain two UV filters - Octocrylene and Avobenzone - which have limited biodegradability. Although their degradability is limited, there is no evidence to suggest that these highly effective sunscreen ingredients have any negative impact upon aquatic organisms or water systems.
For this reason, as a precaution, if planning to swim, surf, snorkel or dive in protected water sources we suggest use of alternative protective measures, such as physical blocks (rash guards, wet or dry suits). If you do wish to use a sunscreen, we recommend our Sage and Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream SPF15, a mineral based hydrating cream containing Zinc Oxide formulated to offer protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
No Aesop product contains plastic microbeads or microplastics. These ingredients have never been utilised in any Aesop formulation.
Our exfoliating products contain abrasives such as Quartz, Pumice, Walnut Shell, Tea Tree Leaf and Bamboo Stem to effiectively remove dirt, grime and dead surface skin cells to leave skin softened and thoroughly cleansed, ready for subsequent hydrating and treatment products.
Should you wish to read more on this topic, we recommend the CTPA’s informative 'Facts About' webpage, which provides further information on microplastics.
Acrylates Copolymer is a general name given to a family of ingredients, all with very different properties. The form we utilise is a copolymer of two or more monomers consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters, and should not be confused with the plastics used to make plastic beads.
We utilise Acrylates Copolymer in our Geranium Leaf Body Scrub, Redemption Body Scrub Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash as a gelling agent to ensure the physical exfoliants they contain are dispersed evenly throughout the formulation.
The Acrylates Copolymer used in these products is biodegradable according to European Commission Directives and toxicological tests conducted by the manufacturer of this ingredient demonstrate that this ingredient poses no risk to aquatic organisms.
We use certified sustainable (mass balance) Sodium Palm Kernelate and Sodium Palmate in our Body Cleansing Soap Slab and Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides in our Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream.
Should you wish to learn more about Certified Sustainable Palm Oil please see the RSPO website.
Our approach to packaging is that our vessels must be functional, minimal and humble; where possible we avoid using outer cartons and utilise recyclable glass, aluminium and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in our packaging
Aesop utilises Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in its plastic packaging.
At the beginning of 2019, the content of over 80 per cent of PET bottles produced by Aesop will transition to 99.7 per cent post-consumer recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), which has been sourced locally in Australia. Our ongoing aim is to transition the content of all PET bottles to rPET.
Aesop products housed in rPET will enter our supply chain early 2019, full global implementation will take time.
While we cannot currently do so, please be assured we are committed to providing an effective refill solution for our customers. To this end, our Packaging team is researching innovations that demonstrate a tangible environmental benefit while also maintaining product quality.
Further, as part of a continuing effort to reduce our environmental impact, we have introduced the option to purchase Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash 500mL and Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 500mL with a screw-top cap rather than a pump. This represents a 12.2 gram reduction in plastic per product, and encourages reuse of existing pumps. Please note, we do not recommend use of a pump across different product formulations, or for longer than a period of 12 months. During 2019 we will begin using bottles made from 99.7% rPET for this initiative.
The option is currently available at our signature stores, Aesop Online, Myer counters and select stockists in Australia. We expect it to be available globally by July 2019.
We launched an inaugural packaging bring-back scheme in Hong Kong in October 2018. The trial has commenced in Hong Kong and we will consider introducing a similar scheme in other markets where we can establish a positive environmental benefit.
Our jars are well-suited to repurposing as storage containers for many small items, from paper clips to staples to hairpins. Aesop Mouthwash bottles make serviceable and attractive vases, as well as worthy vessels to house oils in your pantry.
Should you not have a use for an Aesop container, we recommend seeking guidance from your local council or government website for details of local recycling capabilities and relevant instructions.
We are conscious that our packaging still has an impact on the environment and we have implemented several key initiatives to improve the sustainability of our packaging, including:
As part of a continuing effort to reduce our environmental impact, we have introduced the option to purchase Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash 500mL and Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 500mL with a screw-top cap rather than a pump. This represents a 12.2 gram reduction in plastic per product, and encourages reuse of existing pumps. Please note, we do not recommend use of a pump across different product formulations, or for longer than a period of 12 months. During 2019 we will begin using bottles made from 99.7% rPET for this initiative.
The option is currently available at our signature stores, Aesop Online, Myer counters and select stockists in Australia. We expect it to be available globally by July 2019.
Aesop’s monthly newsletter shares information about places, people, food, writing, design and more that inspires us.
If you sign up to receive the newsletter your details will be used to communicate with you directly and will not be passed on to any other party.
However, please note that by entering our customer database, you are also nominating to receive Aesop event invitations and information about Aesop-partnered initiatives.
You can sign up to receive the newsletter at the bottom of each page of our website.
You do not need to create an account to shop online; rather, you can purchase as a guest.
However, creating an account will allow you to move more swiftly through the purchasing process: you will be able to save your personal details, store multiple delivery addresses, peruse past orders, update subscription details and receive special Aesop customer event invitations and new product information.
Creating an account only takes a few minutes and you can do so by clicking here.
You can reset your password by selecting 'Forgotten Password' in the log in section.
Aesop endeavours to ensure the safety of your personal information when visiting our online store, however, there are additional security measures we advise our customers to adopt in order to enhance online security.
These include:
- Ensuring your internet browser is up-to-date with the latest version
- Choosing unique passwords, keeping them private, and changing them frequently
- Investing in a reputable anti-virus software program and ensuring all updates are installed
To apply for an advertised position, please visit our Employment page and follow the prompts.
Please submit an application by selecting Wholesale and Amenity Enquiry from the list under Email us on our strong>Contact Us page.
Due to the high volume of enquiries we receive, please be aware applications can take between three to four weeks to process. We thank you in advance for your patience.
We apologise if the product you are seeking is temporarily unavailable.
It is most likely that we are waiting for a specific ingredient from a supplier; an ingredient, without which, we are unable to complete certain formulations.
Please accept our sincere apologies and know that we are working hard to source the necessary components that will allow us to recommence production of the product you are looking for.
The security of our customers' personal and credit card information is paramount to Aesop and we continue to invest in the development of robust security systems.
Our website is encrypted with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, which creates a secure transaction area in which to enter your payment information. You can be sure that you have entered a secure area as your browser address will become https://www.aesop.com, and a small padlock symbol will appear in the bottom left of your screen.
We also have secure firewall systems and daily scanning in place, to ensure that any attempted intrusions are swiftly identified, and a biannual penetration security scan conducted by our security partners. We regularly engage with industry experts to seek the most up-to-date security advice, and are constantly seeking to improve upon our rigorous processes.
For all press related enquiries please submit a Press and Marketing Enquiry form via the Contact Us page.
Nanotechnology is the science of materials measured in nanometres – one nanometre being one billionth of a metre.
The word ‘nanomaterial’ is an umbrella term for objects of different shapes and sizes with one or more dimensions (length, width or height) or surface structures on the nano-scale, which ranges between 1 and 100 nanometres.
The term covers not only nanoparticles but also aggregates and agglomerates (clumps) of nanoparticles that have at least one dimension in the range of 1 to 100nm.
Nanomaterials are often utilised in sun-protection formulations as a means of increasing product efficacy. They can provide greater UV filter efficiency by improving dispersion of inorganic filters, and enhance the texture and feel of sunscreens.
Research is ongoing into the safety of nanomaterials in many different applications, including topical/cosmetic use. The two key areas under investigation are the safety of nanoparticles in terms of skin penetration, and the safety of nanomaterials in terms of altered chemical properties.
It is important to note that Zinc Oxide in both nanomaterial and standard form has been independently assessed, and that it is considered safe by regulatory agencies in the USA, Australia and Europe.
Within Australia, the regulatory body responsible for products with SPF values in excess of 15 – the Therapeutic Goods Administration – has conducted significant research into the effect of nanoparticles on human and environmental safety. It has determined that there is no evidence to suggest that sun-protection products which incorporate nanotechnologies pose any greater risk than conventional products.
Should you like to read more about the use of nanotechnology in skin care and cosmetics, we warmly encourage you to visit:
Reformulation is challenging for any product, and particularly difficult when it comes to a sunscreen. Even changing the source of a raw material in a cosmetic formulation can alter the finished product’s stability, aroma or appearance.
Under the European definition, many alternative forms of Zinc Oxide are also classified as nanomaterials. To reformulate our products using those that aren’t would result in a potentially unstable product – and one significantly heavier, whiter and less easily absorbed than our current formulation.
We use Zinc Oxide in Sage and Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream – SPF15 and Protective Lip Balm SPF30 because of its unparalleled ability to coat the skin and create a barrier to UV radiation. In its (newly defined) nano form, Zinc Oxide also improves dispersion of sunscreens – products containing it appear ‘invisible’ when applied to the skin.
Both products were formulated only after years of rigorous research, with particular regard for safety (for our customers and for the natural environment) as well as performance. These are always paramount considerations in the development of new Aesop products.
While scientific research into the safety of nanotechnology continues, we believe daily use of a high-quality sunscreen is of crucial importance in protecting the skin from the well-documented dangers of exposure to UV radiation.
Because of this, and because this material has been independently evaluated and approved on safety grounds, we stand by our decision to use Zinc Oxide.
Under recent EU regulation (EC 1223/2009), the Zinc Oxide used in our Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream – SPF15 and Protective Lip Balm SPF30 is classified as a nanomaterial.
The change has to do with the regulation’s definition of chemical structures relative to measurements on the nano-scale. Previously, Zinc Oxide was regarded as ‘micronised’ because classification considered only the outer dimensions of its particles, and these are measurable in thousandths of a millimetre. It is now classified as a nanomaterial in Europe because the new regulation considers the internal surface structure of the particles – which is measurable between 1 and 100nm.