A 3-step morning routine for a radiant, even complexion
Complimentary gift with every purchase over $85
Get your personalized back-to-school diagnosis in under 4 minutes
Library
All Topics
White wavy lines texture on a surface

Profile: Zinc Oxide

Commonly known as: Zinc White, Zinc Oxide, Permanent White, CI 77947.
I.N.C.I. list name: Zinc Oxide.
Extraction process: Oxidation of metallic zinc vapor.
Source: Synthetic.
Botanical name: /
Family: /
Part of the plant extracted: /
Provenance, origin: Belgium.
Chemical characteristics: Molecular mass: 81.38 g/mol; Almost insoluble in water and ethanol; Density: 5.61 g/cm3.
Characteristics: Emulsion, true aqueous solution.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: The maximum concentration allowed by European legislation: 25% (whether in nano form or not).
Function: Anti-microbial, foaming agent, cosmetic colorant, oral hygiene agent, skin protection agent, stabilizing agent, UV absorbent, UV filter.
Properties: Photoprotective, astringent, soothing, coloring, purifying, anti-inflammatory, healing.
Benefits: All skin types, particularly oily skin, irritated skin, and skin prone to blemishes.

Details

Properties

  • Absorbent, mattifying, purifying: thanks to its covering power.

  • Antibacterial: Combatting the proliferation of bacteria, particularly on oily and blemished skin.

  • Anti-inflammatory:

  • Deodorant: Ability to neutralize unpleasant odors.

  • Photoprotective: Forming a protective reflective film on the surface of the skin or hair to block and reflect UV rays, thereby protecting against the harmful effects of the sun.

Usage

  • Facial Care (sunscreen creams, mattifying creams/gels);

  • Body Care (sunscreens/milks and lotions);

  • Makeups (foundations, loose/compact powders, eyeshadows, lipsticks, BB creams, CC creams);

  • Hygiene (deodorants).

Method of Preservation

Store at room temperature in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Zinc oxide is a safe UV filter, very gentle on the skin, does not cause irritation or sensitization, and is non-photoallergenic. In some skincare products, it can be of nanometric size (ranging between 1 and 100 nm).

However, in this state, it is alleged to penetrate the skin barrier and accumulate in the body, where it is suspected to be toxic and carcinogenic. Similarly, it is advised against applying zinc oxide in nanoparticle form on damaged skin.

Finally, it is recommended not to use zinc oxide near a ventilation source, as it has been demonstrated that inhaling zinc oxide can cause lung inflammation. This is also why since 2018 it has been banned in sprays.

Find out more

Zinc oxide is a chemical molecule of oxygen and zinc. Widely used in cosmetology for its numerous benefits, this matte white powder is extracted from pure zinc ore. As early as the 19th century, it was used for its antibacterial properties. Today, its presence in nanoparticle form is the subject of controversy.