Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

INCI name:   Zinc Oxide [nano].

Function:   Antimicrobial, bulking agent, cosmetic colorant, oral hygiene agent, skin protection agent, stabilizing agent, UV absorber, UV filter.

Origin:   Mineral/synthetic.

Concentration allowed by the EU regulation:   Up to 25% in finished cosmetic products. Only nanomaterials with the following characteristics are allowed: Purity ≥ 96% with a wurtzite crystalline structure and presenting in the physical appearance of rod or star-shaped clusters and/or in isometric forms, with impurities consisting solely of carbon dioxide and water, while all other impurities are less than 1% in total ; Median diameter of particle size distribution D50 (50% of the number below this diameter) > 30 nm and D1 (1% below this size) > 20 nm; Solubility in water < 50 mg/L; Uncoated or coated with triethoxycaprylylsilane, dimethicone, dimethoxydiphenylsilanetriethoxycaprylylsilane polymer or triethoxyoctylsilane

Where to find it / Where they are found?:   CC creams, sun creams, talcum powder, deodorant creams, BB creams, face creams, body gels, blushes, concealers, deodorants, antiperspirants.

Health risks:   Suspected percutaneous penetration, suspected reprotoxic, suspected genotoxic, suspected carcinogenic.

Environmental risks:   Suspected aquatic ecotoxicity.

Alternative :  

Additional information:   Nanoparticle form when used as UV filter. Anti-UVA and UVB sunscreen. Do not use in applications that could lead to exposure of the end user's lungs by inhalation. Organic compatible (COSMOS standard). Also used as a colorant (CI 77947).