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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 vapour.
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: Maximum concentration permitted by European legislation: 25% (whether in nano form or not).
Function: Anti-microbial, foaming agent, cosmetic colourant, oral hygiene agent, skin protection agent, stabilising agent, UV absorbent, UV filter.
Properties: Photoprotective, astringent, soothing, colouring, 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 neutralise unpleasant odours.

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

Usage

  • Facial Care (sun 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, it does not cause irritation or sensitisation, 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 to damaged skin.

Finally, it is advised 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 the reason 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.