In which skincare products can we find zinc?

Zinc oxide is primarily aUV-protective filter. It is used in sunscreens, acting as a shield on the skin's surface. Indeed, it iseffective in blocking and deflecting UVA and UVB rays, thus protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Beware, in some products, it may be of nanometric size. The health risks are as follows: pSuspected percutaneous penetration, suspected reproductive toxicity, suspected genotoxicity, suspected carcinogenicity. Moreover, regarding the environment, there is also suspected aquatic ecotoxicity. Despite this, this UV filter remains bio-compatible according to the COSMOS standard.

At Typology, we apply the precautionary principle and exclude nanoparticles from our formulas. Our sunscreen face SPF30 with aloe vera contains non-nanometric zinc oxide.

However, exposure to high concentrations of this mineral compound, whether in nano form or not, is likely to cause inflammation of the respiratory tract as well as lung problems. For this reason, the European regulation has banned the presence of zinc oxide (nano or not) in spray formulas since February 24, 2018.

Furthermore, zinc oxide is listed in Annex VI of the European regulation that governs UV filters. Whether it is nanometric or not, its maximum allowed concentration as a UV filter is 25%.

Zinc is a trace element that possessesanti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing propertiesthat are highly beneficial for acne. Indeed, it inhibits the growth of the bacteria responsible for acnePropionobacterium Acnes, which is the bacteria primarily involved in this skin condition. Moreover, zinc reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands due to its anti-androgenic activity. Thus, it helps regulate sebum production and thereby prevents blemishes.

To take advantage of the properties of zinc for your skin and any potential imperfections, you can select one of our treatments.

• The purifying cleansing gel contains 2% zinc PCA combined with bamboo extract (INCI name: Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract). The bamboo naturally contains porous particles, which absorb excess sebum on the skin. This high absorption capacity helps to reduce skin shine. Therefore, this compound is particularly recommended for combination to oily skin types.

• Specially designed for oily skin, the matifying serum is concentrated in zinc PCA, in azelaic acid (10%) of plant origin; as well as in organic bamboo extract to reduce excess sebum. Of plant origin, the azelaic acid is known for its anti-comedogenic and anti-bacterial effects. Indeed, this molecule acts to unclog pores and reduce the formation of open comedones (also known as blackheads). It also helps to combat the bacteria involved in acne.

• Due to its content of sebum-regulating and antibacterial actives, our purifying face cream made with 4% zinc PCA and bamboo extract is ideal for moderating sebum secretion, refining skin texture, and preventing the appearance of unsightly blackheads. It should be applied daily to clean, dry skin over your face serum, using small circular movements during application until the cream is fully absorbed. However, this cream is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to the essential oils it contains.

• Formulated without talc, silicones, and nanoparticles, our translucent mattifying loose powder targets shiny and oily skin. A true hybrid product between skincare and makeup, it contains up to 1% of zinc PCA. This element helps to absorb excess sebum for an immediate and lasting matte finish, thus helping to extend the wear of tinted treatments. It also includes 0.1% of hyaluronic acid (INCI name: Sodium Hyaluronate): this hygroscopic compound can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful skin care ingredient for instant hydration.

The zinc and its derivatives are primarily recommended for scalp health, which directly influences the condition of the hair. Two main actions are associated with the external application of zinc .

• Fighting against dandruff.

  Zinc possesses purifying and antibacterial properties. It helps regulate sebum production, thus preventing the excess that leads to oily scalps and imbalances. It therefore helps limit the appearance of oily dandruff, and is found in many hair care products targeting this issue.

  It's important to note that zinc pyrithione (INCI: Zinc Pyrithione) was a common ingredient in anti-dandruff hair treatments a few years ago. However, this active ingredient is now highly controversial (suspected mutagen, potential reproductive toxicant, potential aquatic ecotoxicity) and most importantly, it is banned in Europe (Annex II/1670 of the cosmetic regulation). Instead, zinc PCA or zinc gluconate are now used, which are much gentler and pose no risks to health and the environment.

• Limiting itchiness.

  Zinc has soothing properties. It acts as a regulator of interleukin 1-alpha, a mediator of inflammation. As such, it alleviates discomforts of the scalp such as itching, tingling, tightness, and other unpleasant sensations.

Zinc can be found in shampoos, lotions, masks, and even hair serums. Due to its virtues, zinc is a component of our purifying hair serum. This product effectively eliminates oily dandruff. It contains 4% of zinc PCA combined with nettle extract (INCI name: Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract), also known for its purifying and sebum-regulating properties. In addition, it contains essential oils of peppermint (INCI name: Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil) and eucalyptus globulus (INCI name: Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil)which, thanks to their antibacterial and antifungal virtues, help to purify the scalp by fighting against the proliferation of microorganisms responsible for dandruff.

It should be noted : oral supplementation of zinc through dietary supplements or simply through a diet rich in zinc (oysters, eggs, offal) effectively combats hair loss and alopecia.