🧪 Zinc Oxide: Trusted or Trouble?

For years, zinc oxide has been the go-to ingredient in sunscreens, baby creams, and even “natural” skincare. Labeled as “safe,” “soothing,” and “non-toxic,” it’s gained a glowing reputation among consumers and brands alike.

But is it really
as harmless as we’ve
been led to believe?

Recent scientific research tells a different story—one that reveals the hidden dangers lurking inside this so-called gentle mineral. From cellular damage to chronic inflammation, zinc oxide—especially in nanoparticle form—may be doing more harm than good. And worst of all, these effects may be happening silently, under your skin, without a trace.

Let’s unpack the truth and discover why your skin—and your children’s skin—deserves something far more pure.

The Trouble with Zinc Oxide ⚠️

Zinc oxide is often included in skin products for its UV-blocking and protective properties. But what most labels don’t say is that many of these products contain zinc oxide in its nano-sized form. These nanoparticles (typically smaller than 100 nanometers) can behave very differently from their larger counterparts.




When exposed to sunlight, nano-zinc oxide can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS)—unstable molecules that damage DNA, cellular proteins, and lipids. In one study published in Toxicology in Vitro, researchers found that UVB exposure combined with nano-ZnO triggered autophagy disruption and inflammasome activation in mouse skin, leading to pyroptosis—a form of inflammatory cell death.

If that sounds technical, here’s what it means in plain language: instead of helping your skin, zinc oxide may be creating invisible cellular chaos beneath it.

What About Sensitive Skin and Children?

The concern gets even deeper when it comes to children’s skin or already-damaged skin (sunburn, eczema, irritation). Studies show that nanoparticles may penetrate more easily into compromised or thinner skin, and in some cases, even reach systemic circulation.

That means using “gentle” baby lotion or sensitive-skin sunscreens with zinc oxide might actually be triggering the very irritation you're trying to avoid.

Even in minute doses, zinc oxide nanoparticles have been shown to activate immune cells, increase inflammation, and delay healing—especially when skin is already under stress.

Beyond the Surface: Inhalation & Internal Effects

While most people use zinc oxide topically, it’s important to note that even inhaled or ingested zinc oxide (in industrial or occupational exposure) can lead to respiratory illness known as metal fume fever—causing fever, chills, cough, and nausea.

In animal studies, high exposure to zinc oxide led to anemia, pancreatic inflammation, and even potential neurotoxicity. While cosmetic doses are lower, the cumulative and long-term effects of nanoparticle exposure—especially through daily use—are not fully understood.

Do you really
want to be the
test subject?

What This Means for Families & Sensitive Skin

Nurseries, baby products, and sensitive skin lines are especially vulnerable if formulas use nano‑zinc oxide—even in trace amounts.

Children’s skin and impaired or sunburned skin may absorb nanoparticles more readily, risking inflammation, sensitization, or delayed healing.

Even when labels say “zinc oxide,” they rarely distinguish between safer macro‑particles and higher‑risk nanoparticles—and many brands don’t disclose particle size at all.

🌿 A Safe and Science-Based Alternative: DEOS Co.

At DEOS Co., we believe that beauty should never compromise your health. That’s why we don’t use zinc oxide—at all. Instead, our soaps are created using time-honored, skin-loving ingredients like:

✅ Organic extra virgin olive oil from Peloponnese

✅ Cold-pressed botanical infusions like laurel, lavender, and rosemary

✅ Wildcrafted Greek herbs and essential oils

✅ Mineral-free, dye-free, nano-free, cruelty-free formulations

Each soap in our collection is more than cleansing—it's a ritual rooted in Mediterranean purity, crafted to support and soothe even the most sensitive skin.

🌿 Meet Deos Co.’s Signature Soaps — Pure Greek Essence Without Compromise

Athena’s Essence	Pure Olive Oil Soap Inspired by Ancient Greek Wisdom Immerse your skin in the gentle purity of cold‑pressed olive oil, a time‑honored ritual passed down from the cradle of civilization. Athena’s Essence creates a pillowy, creamy lather that nourishes deeply while calming irritation. Infused with vitamins E and K, this minimalist bar cleanses without stripping—leaving skin soft, radiant, and naturally glowing. A daily ritual of simplicity, shaped by ancient wisdom.
Hellenic Harmony	Purity, Hydration & Timeless Beauty Inspired by Ancient Greece Inspired by the purity of Greek heritage, Hellenic Harmony is crafted to hydrate and illuminate every skin type. This bar blends soothing olive oil with select botanical extracts to deliver hydration that feels clean yet luxurious. Texture meets tradition in each creamy lather that revives dullness and reveals a softer, more balanced complexion.
Thera Serenity	The Lavender & Basil Harmony Ritual Soap Quiet the mind and calm the skin with Thera Serenity—a botanical blend of ultra-nourishing olive oil, lavender essential oil, and dried basil petals. Together, they create a serene ritual that soothes sensitivity and softens texture. The earthy lavender-laced lather feels like a spa moment, while basil’s anti-inflammatory properties gently refresh and heal.
Nardus Bliss	The Olive & Lavender Harmony Soap (Limited Edition) This limited-release gem harnesses the antioxidant-rich power of Greek olive oil paired with calming lavender essential oil. Nardus Bliss delivers a delightfully foamy, moisturizing cleanse that melts away daily stress and leaves skin feeling soothed and protected. Perfect for evenings when you need a moment of botanical calm.
Aetheria Glow	The Divine Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Ritual Purify. Exfoliate. Illuminate. Aetheria Glow artfully fuses antioxidant-rich activated charcoal with deeply hydrating oils like olive, shea butter, and vanilla essential oil. Gently detoxifies and refines skin texture while preserving hydration. The result? A smooth, radiant complexion and a spa-like ritual in every bar.
Olympus Brew	The Coffee & Shea Butter Vitality Ritual Invigorate your sense and awaken your skin with the rich aroma of real coffee oil blended into moisturizing shea butter and olive oil. Olympus Brew doesn’t just exfoliate—it energizes, deeply nourishes, and revitalizes. Use it as a morning ritual to awaken the skin and spirit, full of creamy lather and long-lasting hydration.
Elysian Glow	Brightening Spirulina Bar with Avocado & Botanical Butters Naturally brighten and nourish skin with the power of vibrant spirulina, creamy avocado, and rich botanical butters. Elysian Glow is ideal for dull or tired skin—hydrating, restoring, and unveiling softness with each use. Indulge in this bar as a natural radiance ritual for a luminous glow and supple touch.

 

None of our soaps contain zinc oxide, microplastics, synthetic dyes, or questionable preservatives.

🏩 Deos Co. Supplier Program: A Harmonious Balance of Compliance & Values

Our Vision
At Deos Co., every ingredient we use is carefully selected to reflect not only the wisdom of ancient Greek beauty rituals but also modern scientific integrity. As the FDA’s Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MOCRA) calls for heightened supplier transparency and monitoring, we embrace this as an opportunity to strengthen our supply chain in a way that is both compliant and philosophically aligned with our brand values.

✅ 1. FDA MOCRA Monitoring: Why It Matters

• Facility registration
• Adverse Event Monitoring
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Fragrance allergen disclosures

🛷 2. Deos Co. Supplier Selection Philosophy

• Purity and Transparency
• Sustainability and Ethics
• Greek-Origin Ingredients

🔎 3. Supplier Approval Process

• Qualification
• Audit & Risk Assessment
• Ongoing Monitoring
  

📜 Supplier Code of Conduct: Adherence to MOCRA, Clean Beauty Standards, full traceability

Why This Matters to You

We believe your skin deserves products that are both effective and trustworthy. Our commitment to science, safety, and ancient wisdom ensures that every bar of soap carries not only the scent of nature, but the soul of Greece.

Final Word: Choose the Ritual, Not the Risk

Everything we put on your skin is what we would use on our children, our elders, and ourselves.

No microplastics. No fillers. No nano-anything. Just nature—distilled in the heart of Greece.

Choose DEOS Co.
not just because it's beautiful,
but because it's safe.

📋 Scientific References

1. “Phototoxic Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on UVB-Irradiated Mouse Skin Cells” – PubMed 
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38419076
2. “The Skin Penetration of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Associated Inflammation” – PMC
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10900617
3. “Nanotoxicological Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Human Cell-Based Test Methods” – Frontiers in Toxicology
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ftox.2021.649666/full
4. “Zinc Oxide Fumes - Metal Fume Fever and Inhalation Hazards” – MedlinePlus
   https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002571.htm
5. “Zinc Toxicity” – StatPearls (NIH Bookshelf)
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554548
6. “Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Mechanisms of Toxicity and Medical Applications” – ScienceDirect
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235294072030031X
7. “Zinc Oxide in Sunscreen: How It Works and Why You Should Care” – Health.com
   https://www.health.com/zinc-oxide-11739752
8. “Nanotoxicology – Health Effects of Nanoparticles” – Wikipedia (science-based overview)
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotoxicology