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Zinc Oxide

Our database includes 2,490 products that contain Zinc Oxide.

Explained

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.

Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.

Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.

You should know

What it is

Mineral UV Filter

Benefits

Acne

Concerns

Coral Reefs
Community Rating
Liked
Comedogenic Rating
1
Irritancy Rating
0

What it does

Cosmetic Colorant Agents that add color to a product
Skin Protecting To keep skin from being damaged to a certain degree
UV Absorber An agent that absorbs uv rays
UV Filter An agent that filters out certain uv rays

Prevalence

Uncommon Percentage of products that contain it
3.6%
Top categories
Sunscreens
Makeup
Moisturizers
Position Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration Concentrations we've seen
1% to 94%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 38968
INCI Name ZINC OXIDE
INN Name zinc oxide
EC #  215-222-5
Ph. Eur. Name zinci oxidum
All Functions Bulking, Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter