In which skincare products can we find zinc?

Zinc oxide is primarily aUV protective filter. It is used in sun creams, 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. Furthermore, 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 adhere to the precautionary principle and exclude nanoparticles from our formulas. Oursun creamface SPF30 with aloe vera contains non-nanometric zinc oxide.

Nevertheless, exposure to high concentrations of this mineral compound, whether in nano form or not, is likely to cause a respiratory tract inflammation as well as pulmonary issues. For this reason, the European regulation has banned the presence of zinc oxide (nano or not) in spray formulas since 24th February 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 permitted 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. Furthermore, zinc reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands through its anti-androgenic activity. Thus, it helps to regulate sebum production and therefore prevents imperfections.

To take advantage of the properties of zinc on 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 (otherwise known as blackheads). It also helps to combat the bacteria involved in acne.

• Due to its content of sebum-regulating and antibacterial actives, ourpurifying face creammade from 4% zinc PCA and bamboo extract is ideal for moderating sebum secretion, achieving a refined skin texture, and preventing the appearance of unsightly blackheads. It should be applied daily to clean, dry skin and over yourface 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% ofhyaluronic 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 the health of the scalp, which directly influences the condition of the hair. Two main actions are associated with the external application of zinc .

• Combatting dandruff.

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

  It should be noted that it is primarily the zinc pyrithione (INCI: Zinc Pyrithione) that was found a few years ago in the main anti-dandruff hair treatments. However, this active ingredient is now highly controversial (suspected mutagen, potential reproductive toxicant, potential aquatic ecotoxicity) and above all banned in Europe (Annex II/1670 of the cosmetic regulation). Instead, zinc PCA or zinc gluconate are now more commonly used, which are much gentler and pose no risks to health and the environment.

• Limiting itchiness.

  Zinc possesses 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 in the long term. It therefore 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 to this, 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.