Zinc Oxide

Also known as: Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

INCI: Zinc Oxide | Function: Mineral UV Filter, Skin Protectant | Type: Mineral sunscreen (physical)

What Is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc Oxide is the only mineral UV filter that provides true broad-spectrum protection (UVB + full UVA I/II, 290-400nm). It is also an FDA-approved skin protectant with soothing, antimicrobial properties. It is the gold standard for sensitive skin, baby, and reef-safe sunscreens.

Key Skin Benefits

+ TRUE broad-spectrum (UVB + UVA I + UVA II, 290-400nm)
+ FDA-approved skin protectant — soothes irritation
+ Mild antimicrobial and wound-healing properties
+ Photostable — does not degrade
+ Suitable for sensitive, eczema, and baby skin

Pros

+ Best broad-spectrum coverage of any UV filter
+ Skin protectant + sunscreen in one ingredient
+ Reef-safe — preferred for marine environments
+ Non-irritating, anti-inflammatory
+ GRASE Category I by FDA (safe and effective)

Cons

− Most pronounced white cast of mineral filters
− Can be drying at high concentrations
− Heavier texture than chemical sunscreens
− Nano forms more cosmetically elegant but controversial
− Can react with other ingredients (pH dependent)

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On
Source	Mineral
Natural Level	Natural (mineral)

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10 (non-nano)

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	Max 25%	Max 25%	Allowed — Annex VI sunscreen
US (CIR/FDA)	Up to 25%	Up to 25%	Allowed — FDA OTC monograph; GRASE I
Japan (MHLW)	No limit specified	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	Max 25%	Max 25%	Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)	Max 25%	Max 25%	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Sunscreen (SPF)	5 - 25%
Diaper cream (protectant)	10 - 40%
Day cream with SPF	2 - 15%
BB/CC cream	5 - 15%

References

Smijs TG & Pavel S (2011) — TiO2 and ZnO sunscreen review. PMID: 22171737
FDA (2019) — Sunscreen monograph proposed rule; zinc oxide GRASE
EWG Skin Deep — Score 2/10

← Back to Skinpedia