Advent Calendar: 24 surprises, 15 full size
No sales for Black Friday at Typology
Complimentary gift with every purchase over $100
Get your personalized diagnosis in under 4 minutes
Library
All Topics
White wavy lines texture on a surface

Profile: Zinc Gluconate

Commonly known as: Zinc gluconate, zincum gluconicum.
I.N.C.I. list name: Zinc Gluconate.
Extraction process: Chelation reaction between a solution of metallic zinc and gluconic acid, industrially obtained through the fermentation of glucose derived from corn.
Source: Derived from mineral origin (zinc) and plant-based source (gluconate).
Botanical name: Zea mays L. (corn).
Family: Poaceae (corn).
Part of the plant extracted: /
Provenance, origin: France.
Chemical characteristics: Zinc salt of gluconic acid; Molecular weight: 455.685 g/mol; Soluble in water.
Characteristics: Emulsion, gel, true aqueous solution, foam.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: The recommended dosage is between 0.1 and 5% with a maximum permitted concentration of zinc at 1%.
Function: Antimicrobial, deodorant, oral hygiene agent, skin care agent.
Properties: Astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating, antioxidant, deodorant, healing, regenerating.
Benefits: All skin types, particularly combination to oily skin, blemished skin, and acne-prone skin; All hair types, especially oily scalps.

Details

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory: To soothe the skin, and reduce redness and inflammation by inhibiting the release of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory molecule;

  • Anti-microbial: Restricting the proliferation of certain microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) that can lead to the emergence of imperfections (pimples, dandruff, etc.): Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Cutibacterium acnes, Malassezia... ;

  • Antioxidant: Protecting cells and cellular components from oxidative stress by forming mercaptides with the thiol groups of cell membranes and by chelating metallic ions responsible for oxidation, thus inhibiting the production of free radicals. Zinc is also a cofactor of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a primary antioxidant;

  • Astringent: Minimize the appearance of pores and refine skin texture through an indirect mechanism due to its sebum-regulating properties;

  • Healing: Speeding up the healing of wounds by stimulating the production of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are responsible for the synthesis of scar tissue, in addition to promoting the expression of integrins, proteins that ensure the migration of keratinocytes thus contributing to the proper re-epithelialization of wounds;

  • Deodorant: Concealing unpleasant body odors;

  • Sebum-regulating: Rebalancing the production of sebum and reducing shiny areas by inhibiting the activity of 5α-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which binds to the receptors of the sebaceous glands, thereby increasing the secretion of sebum.

Usage

  • Facial Care (toners, moisturizing creams, purifying masks, mattifying serums, cleansing gels/foams, micellar waters, localized anti-blemish treatments);

  • Hair Care (shampoos) ;

  • Hygiene (deodorants, toothpastes).

Method of Preservation

Store in a dry and cool place at room temperature, protected from light, moisture, and heat.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Zinc gluconate is recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with manufacturing practices. Its topical application is considered suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Find out more

Zinc is one of the most abundant trace elements in the human body. It is a crucial element for the proper functioning of the body and the maintenance of skin health (immune system function, transport of vitamins A and E, melanin production, role in the integration of fatty acids, etc.). In its chelated form, zinc gluconate is a stable ionic compound consisting of two gluconate anions for each zinc(II) cation. Compared to other forms of zinc, this one exhibits better bioavailability (absorption/skin penetration).