diff --git a/nixos/modules/programs/zsh/zsh.nix b/nixos/modules/programs/zsh/zsh.nix
index 4fbdba47b1df..930cc1987a33 100644
--- a/nixos/modules/programs/zsh/zsh.nix
+++ b/nixos/modules/programs/zsh/zsh.nix
@@ -162,9 +162,8 @@ in
         # This file is read for all shells.
 
         # Only execute this file once per shell.
-        # But don't clobber the environment of interactive non-login children!
         if [ -n "$__ETC_ZSHENV_SOURCED" ]; then return; fi
-        export __ETC_ZSHENV_SOURCED=1
+        __ETC_ZSHENV_SOURCED=1
 
         if [ -z "$__NIXOS_SET_ENVIRONMENT_DONE" ]; then
             . ${config.system.build.setEnvironment}