Characteristics
- INCI
- Zinc Oxide
- CAS
-
1314-13-2
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
215-222-5
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- IUPAC
- Zinc Oxide (Ci 77947)
- Functions
- bulking, cosmetic colorant, skin protecting, uv absorber, uv filter
- Irritancy
-
0 / 5
Irritation potential: 0–5, where 5 is the highest irritation rating for the ingredient.
More detail → - Comedogen.
-
1 / 5
Comedogenicity index: 0–5. A non-comedogenic ingredient (0–1) is unlikely to cause cosmetic acne.
More detail → - EU Restr.
-
IV/144- Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end- user's lungs by inhalation VI/30 VI/30a
EU regulatory status: restricted use. The ingredient is permitted in EU cosmetics but its use and labelling are regulated.
More detail →
Who it's for
Description
If your skin could pick a bodyguard, zinc oxide would be a very boring-looking but extremely effective one. This mineral sits on the surface of the skin and works mainly by reflecting, scattering, and absorbing UV radiation, which is why it shows up not only in sunscreen but also in soothing creams, ointments, diaper pastes, and other “please calm down, skin” products. In sunscreen, it’s the rare ingredient that gives broad-spectrum protection across UVB, UVA II, and UVA I, which is one reason many people hunt for the best zinc oxide sunscreen or the best zinc oxide sunscreen for face when they want simple, sturdy sun protection.
Its other big talent is being wonderfully non-fussy. Zinc oxide is well tolerated, non-irritating, and skin-protective, which is why zinc oxide cream and zinc oxide ointment are classic choices for irritated, chafed, or rash-prone skin. In diaper rash products, it acts like a protective shield, keeping moisture and irritants away from the skin while it heals. That’s also why people look for the best zinc oxide diaper cream or the best zinc oxide cream for babies. On adult skin, the same soothing logic applies: a good zinc oxide cream for face can help protect irritated spots, and some people even use zinc oxide on face overnight as a spot treatment to calm things down while they sleep. Just don’t expect it to be glamorous — it can leave a noticeable white cast, especially in thicker formulas or powders.
There are also practical uses beyond skincare. Zinc oxide powder turns up in formulations where a dry, mattifying feel is wanted, and zinc oxide tape is valued for its firm, protective hold. In dentistry, zinc oxide eugenol has long been used for temporary fillings and other procedures, including dry socket management. As for how to use zinc oxide cream on face or how to use zinc oxide on face in general, the short version is: apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, and reapply if the product is meant to stay on the skin as a protectant or sunscreen. If you’re using a sunscreen formula, the usual rules apply — enough product, and enough of it. In studies, zinc oxide sunscreens have repeatedly shown strong UVA protection and very good photostability, which is a fancy way of saying they don’t get dramatic and fall apart in the sun.
So yes, zinc oxide is a workhorse ingredient rather than a beauty queen, but your skin usually cares more about results than charisma. Whether you’re comparing the best zinc oxide cream for adults, looking for the best zinc oxide cream for cold sores, or trying to find a zinc oxide product that works in your local market, the appeal is the same: simple, effective protection with a long track record. And that’s not a bad résumé for something that mostly just sits there and does its job.
More detail
When it comes to sunscreen agents, Zinc Oxide is pretty much in a league of its own. It's a physical (or inorganic) sunscreen that has a lot in common with fellow inorganic sunscreen Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) but a couple of things make it superior even to TiO2.
If physical sunscreens don't tell you anything, go ahead and read about the basics here. Most of what we wrote about Titanium Dioxide is also true for Zinc Oxide so we will focus here on the differences.
The first main difference is that while TiO2 gives a nice broad spectrum protection, Zinc Oxide has an even nicer and even broader spectrum protection. It protects against UVB, UVA II, and UVA I almost uniformly, and is considered to be the broadest range sunscreen available today.
It's also highly stable and non-irritating. So much so that Zinc Oxide also counts as a skin protectant and anti-irritant. It's also often used to treat skin irritations such as diaper rash.
As for the disadvantages, Zinc Oxide is also not cosmetically elegant. It leaves a disturbing whitish tint on the skin,although, according to a 2000 research paper by Dr. Pinnell, it's slightly less white than TiO2. Still, it's white and disturbing enough to use Zinc Oxide nanoparticles more and more often.
We wrote more about nanoparticles and the concerns around them here, but the gist is that if nanoparticles were absorbed into the skin that would be a reason for legitimate health concerns. But luckily, so far research shows that sunscreen nanoparticles are not absorbed but remain on the surface of the skin or in the uppermost (dead) layer of the skin. This seems to be true even if the skin is damaged, for example, sunburnt.
All in all, if you've found a Zinc Oxide sunscreen that you are happy to use every single day, that's fantastic and we suggest you stick with it. It's definitely one of the best, or probably even the best option out there for sun protection available worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zinc Oxide
What does zinc oxide do in skincare and sunscreen?
Is zinc oxide good for the face?
Can zinc oxide help with diaper rash or irritated skin?
How do you use a zinc oxide cream or ointment?
What should I know before using zinc oxide on my face overnight?
Evidence & Research on Zinc Oxide
-
1
Pinnell, Sheldon R., et al. "Microfine zinc oxide is a superior sunscreen ingredient to microfine titanium dioxide." Dermatologic surgery 26.4 (2000): 309-314.Find in PubMed
-
2
Newman, Marissa D., Mira Stotland, and Jeffrey I. Ellis. "The safety of nanosized particles in titanium dioxide–and zinc oxide–based sunscreens." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 61.4 (2009): 685-692.Find in PubMed
-
3
Monteiro-Riviere, N. A., et al. "Safety evaluation of sunscreen formulations containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in UVB sunburned skin: an in vitro and in vivo study." Toxicological Sciences (2011): kfr148.
-
4
Cole, Curtis, Thomas Shyr, and Hao Ou‐Yang. "Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering." Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine 32.1 (2016): 5-10.Find in PubMed
-
5
Smijs, Threes G., and Stanislav Pavel. "Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness." Nanotechnol Sci Appl 4.1 (2011): 95-112.Find in PubMed
Products with Zinc Oxide (7 202 total)
Most often found in Missha products (55 items)
