The Clean, Supercharged Elemental Sunscreen
Safer for Your Skin
Ideal for Sensitive Skin.
Mineral sunscreens like Ao's 6000X Elemental Screen use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface without absorbing into it. This reduces irritation compared to chemical filters, which can trigger reactions in sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Ao is fragrance-free and dermatologist-developed, making it a gentle daily choice for reactive skin types.
No Systemic Absorption Concerns.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, where ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone can enter the bloodstream (as shown in FDA studies), Ao's mineral formula stays on the surface for physical blocking. This minimizes potential health questions around absorption, offering peace of mind alongside proven broad-spectrum protection.
Lower Risk of Allergic Reactions.
Chemical filters often cause stinging, redness, or allergies due to their absorption and reactivity. Ao's mineral zinc is gentler and less likely to provoke reactions, earning recommendations from dermatologists for sensitive, eczema-prone, or allergy-susceptible skin.
Proven Non-toxic & Safe
Clean Ingredients for You + Planet
Avoids Potential Hormone Concerns.
Some chemical ingredients, like oxybenzone, have raised flags for possible endocrine effects (noted by EWG and limited studies), though human evidence remains inconclusive. Ao uses only minerals with no such risks, prioritizing clean, non-disruptive protection.
Safer Profile Overall.
While no strong human evidence links chemical sunscreens to serious risks like cancer (concerns stem from limited animal data), minerals like Ao's are widely viewed as the safer, cleaner option—EWG Verified® and free from flagged additives.
Reef-Safe and Environmentally Responsible.
Chemical filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate contribute to coral bleaching and marine harm, leading to bans in places like Hawaii (since 2021), Palau, Key West, and others. Ao's non-nano zinc is reef-safe, protecting oceans while shielding your skin.
Shop Your Suncare Routine
Protect with Antioxidant-Rich Formula
Full UVA & UVB Protection
Feels Better to Use
Sheer, Non-Greasy Finish
Traditional minerals can feel heavy or leave a white cast, but Ao's micronized zinc blends invisibly with a lightweight, non-greasy texture—rivaling the feel of chemical options without the drawbacks.
Reliable Broad-Spectrum Protection
Zinc oxide delivers consistent UVA and UVB blocking right away, unlike some chemicals that may fall short on deeper UVA rays. Ao ensures full-spectrum defense for daily use.
Clean, Transparent Ingredients
Ao proudly holds EWG Verified® status, meaning rigorously clean, non-toxic ingredients without concerning fillers common in chemical formulas.
Protect + Repair
Actively Improves Your Skin
Soothes and Restores Firmness Overnight
Beyond blocking rays, Ao's actives (including astaxanthin) soothe oxidative stress and support firmness over time—benefits standard sunscreens lack.
Powerful Antioxidant Repair
Infused with astaxanthin (up to 6000× stronger than vitamin C) and niacinamide, Ao actively repairs daily sun-induced damage, turning protection into proactive recovery.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Niacinamide and supportive ingredients in Ao bolster your natural barrier, something most sunscreens overlook.
Multi-Functional
Your Everyday Multi-Tasker
Built-In Hydration
With Mānuka honey and glycerin, Ao moisturizes deeply without drying skin like some formulas can.
Doubles as a Makeup Primer
Ao's sheer finish smooths skin flawlessly, preventing pilling under makeup for effortless daily wear.
True Dual-Action Formula
Ao protects with zinc while repairing with antioxidants – delivering more than prevention alone for healthier skin long-term.
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Basic Protection for Everyday UV Defense
6000X Elemental Screen SPF30 (full-spectrum protection during sun).
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Glacial Melting Cleanser (prep before sun, removal after sun).
AM Serum Shot (boost before sun).
PM Serum Shot (after sun repair and restore).
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Daily Sun Repair
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Everyday Prep, Protection, and Boost
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Complete Sun Care Kit
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Full Prep, Protection, and Repair Loop
6000X Elemental Screen SPF30 (full-spectrum protection during sun).
Glacial Melting Cleanser (prep before sun, removal after sun).
AM Serum Shot (boost before sun).
PM Serum Shot (after sun repair and restore).
Subscribe for 30% total savings.
6000X Elemental Screen SPF30 (full-spectrum protection during sun).
Subscribe for 40% total savings.
Glacial Melting Cleanser (prep before sun, removal after sun).
AM Serum Shot (boost before sun).
PM Serum Shot (after sun repair and restore).
In detail
Clinical Data
92% Believed their skin felt more soft & supple after just 4 weeks**
EWG Rating
EWG Verified™ Ingredient concerns
Cancer
Reproductive Toxicity
Allergies & Immunotoxicity
Use Restrictions
Cold-pressed ingredients
Nontoxic
Cruelty-Free
Sustainable
Eco-Friendly
Formulated without
Parabens
Sulfates
Mineral Oils
PEGS
EDTA
Fragrance
New Zealand Ingredients
New Zealand Red Algae (cultivated Astaxanthin)
(EWG Rating: 1)
A carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in algae that functions as the strongest natural antioxidant known. Research suggests that Astaxanthin may be able to prevent oxidative damage to the skin after exposure to UVA radiation.
Totarol (Podocarpus Totara) (EWG Rating: 1)
An extract from the New Zealand Totara tree, this powerful nature-sourced antioxidant helps fight oxidative stress and free-radical damage to the skin. It also has natural antibacterial preservative qualities and is helpful in the treatment of acne.
Mānuka Honey
(EWG Rating: 1)
Honey has been used since ancient Egyptian times for its antibiotic and cosmetic qualities. Medical-grade Mānuka honey is a naturally bioactive ingredient made from the flowers of the New Zealand native Mānuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium). Mānuka honey is internationally recognized as an antimicrobial compound that nourishes and draws precious moisture deep into the skin and encourages rapid tissue repair.
Phormium Tenax (Harakeke) Seed Oil
(EWG Rating: 1)
An oil containing high concentrations of oleic, palmitic, linoleic and stearic acid, and smaller contributions of triacylglycerol’s, phytosterols and antioxidants. Phytosterols are known for their anti-irritation and antiinflammatory properties. Fatty acids from Harakeke Seed Oil are also attributed with repairing, moisturizing and soothing damaged skin.
Pure New Zealand Artesian Water (Aqua)
(EWG Rating: 1)
Sourced from New Zealand, it is pure mineralized artesian water containing silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium and other trace elements.
All other ingredients
Zinc Oxide 18.9%
(EWG Rating: 2)
Zinc Oxide is considered one of the best UV protectants. It is chemically inert, safe, and protects against the full UV spectrum. The zinc oxide we use is micronized (not nanonized) so that it does not leave a white residue on the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and skin-reparative benefits.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (EWG Rating: 1)
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it is considered an excellent emollient and skin-repairing ingredient. This is due to the mix of fatty acids that the skin can use to repair its surface and resist moisture loss. It is non-sensitizing.
Glycerin
(EWG Rating: 1)
A humectant that works to moisturize the skin by drawing water from the air into the skin's outer layer. When combined with other occlusive agents it also forms a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss and prevent dryness and scaling.
Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60-LQ-(AP))
(EWG Rating: 1)
An emulsifier that also has mild surfactant properties. It produces stable emulsions when combined with fatty alcohols like Cetyl and Steryl Alcohols. The Polysorbate 60 we use is Tween 60-LQ-(AP), which has been through a vacuum stripping process to ensure that the residual Ethylene Oxide and 1-4-Dioxane has been removed - considered safe when used in the concentrations found in cosmetics.
Sorbitan Stearate
(EWG Rating: 1)
An emulsifier made from Sorbitol (a type of sugar) and Stearic Acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid), it is used to thicken and stabilize cosmetics formulations.
Stearic Acid
(EWG Rating: 1)
A fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. Fatty acids are natural components of the skin and are components of a complex mixture that makes up the outermost layer that protects the body against oxidative damage.
Cetearyl Glucoside
(EWG Rating: 2)
An emulsifier made from a blend of Cetearyl Alcohol and Glucose.
Cetyl Alcohol
(EWG Rating: 1)
A fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener and carrying agent for other ingredients. It is not related to the drying, irritating types of alcohol such as denatured, ethyl or SD alcohol.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
(EWG Rating: 1)
A form of Vitamin B3, it offers multiple benefits to the skin, including being effective in treating skin aging, dryness, acne, rosacea, uneven skin tone and skin cancer. Multiple clinical studies have shown improvement to fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness (rosacea), skin sallowness (yellowing) and elasticity. One study showed Niacinamide to increase the skin's production of ceramides, which are natural emollients and skin protectants, therefore improving skin hydration. It has a clear role in the management of acne, by reducing sebum production. Most importantly, Niacinamide has been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer by enhancing the repair of UV damaged DNA and reducing UV-induced immune suppression, a leading cause of skin cancer.
Ferulic Acid
(EWG Rating: 1)
Extracted from Rice Bran Oil, in vivo testing has shown it to be highly effective as a topical antioxidant. Many plants contain Ferulic acid, which plays a key role in the plants self preservation mechanism, re-enforcing its cellular wall strength and protecting it from microbial damage and sun damage. Comparable to Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Ferulic Acid may help to prevent the propagation of the free radical chain. It stabilizes a solution of Vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of the skin.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
(EWG Rating: 1)
Otherwise known as Vitamin E, it is one of the most well-known and researched antioxidants, both when taken orally and in skin care products. It has skin healing properties, is fat-soluble and available in various forms with the most biologically active form being alpha-tocopherol.
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
(EWG Rating: 1)
Plant stem cells can assist with maintaining the natural biology of your skin in much the same way tree bark works to protect the tree. Each variety of stem cell has a different function and is used in formulations accordingly. Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture is said to boost collagen and reduce collagen degradation.
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract
(EWG Rating: 1)
An extract with antioxidant and anti-skin cancer properties that, while not conclusively demonstrated on human skin, show promise within in vitro studies. Topical application may improve the appearance of wrinkled skin by reducing inflammation and forestalling further damage. Research also shows that an extract from Pomegranate peel has an inhibitory effect on the collagen-depleting substance MMP-1.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
(EWG Rating: 1)
A non-fragrant oil from pressed almonds that functions as an emollient.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
(EWG Rating: 1)
A clear gel like substance found in the inner part of the Aloe leaf, it plays a role in binding moisture to skin. It also possesses soothing and healing properties.
Carrageenan
(EWG Rating: 1)
A seaweed gum containing proteins, Vitamin A, sugar, starch, Vitamin B1, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and calcium. These natural polysaccharides are beneficial for skin as emollients, anti- inflammatory agents and antioxidants.
Lecithin
(EWG Rating: 1)
A naturally occuring plant based lipid that works as as a skin conditioning agent and water-binding agent.
Xanthan Gum
(EWG Rating: 1)
A type of carbohydrate polysaccharide, which is often made by a fermentation process. It is used as a natural thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and it is 100% vegan.
Isostearic Acid
(EWG Rating: 1)
A fatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener. Fatty acids are natural components of skin and are components of a complex mixture that makes up the outermost layer that protects the body against oxidative damage.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
(EWG Rating: 1)
A suspending agent related to Stearic Acid.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
(EWG Rating: 1)
An emulsifier used to thicken and stabilize cosmetics formulations.
Dehydroacetic Acid
(EWG Rating: 1)
A synthetic fungicide and bactericide predominantly used as a preservative in cosmetics. Clinical tests show no evidence regarding the ingredient's toxicity and potential for irritation. It is often seen as one of the mildest preservative. It is one of the only preservatives that meets our efficacy standards, and is a low hazard for the environment.
Stearyl Alcohol
(EWG Rating: 1)
A fatty alcohol used as an emollient and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation. It is not related to the drying, irritating types of alcohol such as denatured, ethyl or SD alcohol.
Benzyl Alcohol
(EWG Rating: 4)
An organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits, it is used as a low irritant preservative in cosmetics.