Warmth: Protective Zinc Balm
Warmth is our daily zinc balm, formulated to protect, nourish, and calm the skin all at once. If you're trying to understand how it works and whether it's the right sun protection choice for you, this is for you.
What Makes Zinc Oxide Different
Most sunscreens work by absorbing into the skin and converting UV radiation into heat. Zinc oxide works differently. It sits on the surface of the skin and physically reflects and scatters UV light before it can penetrate, no absorption, no heat conversion, no breakdown in sunlight.
It's also naturally broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB without needing multiple active ingredients to do it. And because it's photostable, it doesn't degrade in sunlight the way many chemical filters do. It stays effective until it's physically removed.
17% Zinc
Warmth contains 17% zinc oxide. This is a meaningful concentration, enough to provide mineral-based protection roughly equivalent to SPF 25, while keeping the formula skin-friendly and wearable every day.
More isn't always better with zinc. Too high a concentration and you lose texture, wearability, and the skin benefits that come from a well-balanced formula. 17% hits the right balance.
Non-Nano and Uncoated - Why It Matters
Not all zinc oxide is the same.
Non-nano means the particles are large enough that they stay on the surface of the skin. They don't absorb into the bloodstream, which matters for both skin safety and environmental impact.
Uncoated means the zinc hasn't been treated with a surface layer to reduce white cast or improve slip. Those coatings can interfere with the zinc's direct contact with the skin, reducing its calming and skin-supportive properties. We'd rather the zinc do its full job, even if it takes a touch of cocoa to offset the white cast instead.
Zinc vs. Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is another widely used mineral sunscreen ingredient. It's worth knowing that when titanium dioxide is exposed to UV light, it can generate free radicals, contributing to oxidative stress in the skin. That's the opposite of protective.
Zinc doesn't do this. It's inherently anti-inflammatory, and it actively supports the skin rather than potentially stressing it. It's one of the main reasons we chose zinc as the foundation of Warmth.
The Skin Benefits Beyond Sun Protection
Zinc oxide has a long history in wound care, rosacea treatment, and barrier repair because it genuinely calms and supports the skin. In Warmth, that means it helps soothe redness and irritation, regulate oil production, support barrier strength, and assist with skin repair.
Red raspberry seed oil and carrot seed oil round out the formula, both rich in antioxidants, both chosen for their ability to nourish the skin and support its resilience during months of higher sun exposure.
The cocoa tint keeps Warmth from looking chalky on the skin, blending naturally without leaving a white cast.
About SPF Certification
Warmth is not a certified SPF product. In Canada and the US, SPF is a regulated drug claim that requires clinical testing and approval.
How to Wear It
Apply Warmth as your last step in the morning, after serums and oils. Reapply after swimming, sweating, or towelling off. For longer days outside, pair it with a hat, shade, and protective clothing no product covers everything on its own.
And pay attention to your skin. If it starts to feel hot or flushed, that's your cue to get out of the sun.
