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).
Extracted part of the plant: /
Origin, provenance: France.
Chemical properties: Zinc salt of gluconic acid; Molecular mass: 455.685 g/mol; Soluble in water.
Properties: Emulsion, gel, true aqueous solution, foam.
Required dosage 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.
Specificities: 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 (spots, 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: Minimise 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-epithelialisation of wounds;
Deodorant: Concealing unpleasant body odours;
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, moisturising creams, purifying masks, mattifying serums, cleansing gels/foams, micellar waters, local 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 recognised as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with manufacturing practices. Its topical application is considered suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
