ZINC OXIDE

Name / description

Zinc Oxide

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Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

ANTIMICROBIAL

Helps control the growth of micro-organisms (eg bacteria and fungi)

BULKING

Reduces the density of cosmetic products by swelling

LIGHT STABILIZER

Protecting the cosmetic product from deterioration effects of light

ORAL CARE

Cleans, deodorises and / or protects the oral cavity or teeth

SKIN PROTECTING

Protects the skin from external influences

UV ABSORBER

Protects the cosmetic product from damage caused by UV light

UV FILTER

Protects skin or hair from harmful UV radiation

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Occurrence in cosmetics

Sunscreens (as a rule as a nano-scale pigment), also as a white pigment (see the INCI name CI 77947) in decorative cosmetics, in skincare and protection creams

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Occurrence in other products

Zinc oxide is traditionally used as white pigment (“zinc white”) in paints. Zinc oxide is used as an excipient in rubber production as well as for the production of glass and ceramic products. Zinc oxide is also used in medical creams for wound treatment.

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Background information on use in cosmetics

Zinc oxide is a white inorganic (mineral) solid. In nature zinc oxide occurs in the form of the mineral zincite (red zinc ore). Zinc oxide is thermally stable and has only a minor water solubility. Zinc oxide is occasionally coated with other substances used in cosmetics (mostly silicone compounds). This serves essentially for the improvement of the dispersibility (mixability) in cosmetic formulations. Zinc oxide is a mineral UV-BB filter (broadband filter) which protects the skin against both UV-B and UV-A radiation and can absorb UV radiation from 280 to 400 nm. The maximum concentration amounts to 25 %. UV filters minimise the undesired effects of UV radiation on the skin and are, therefore, an important component of sunscreens. By protecting the skin against the dangerous sun radiation, they contribute towards preventing premature light-caused skin ageing and skin cancer. In this connection a distinction is made between soluble organic UV filters and those based on mineral and / or organic pigments. Whereas soluble organic UV filters absorb the UV radiation, transform it into heat and form an invisible protection shield in the upper skin layer, UV filters on the basis of pigments reflect, scatter and absorb the sun radiation already on the skin surface.

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Information on safe use

In accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation [Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009], which applies to the entire EU market, UV filters are defined as substances which are exclusively or mainly intended to protect the skin against certain UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV radiation. Annex VI of the Regulation defines the substances which may be used in cosmetic products as UV filters. In this so-called positive list of the UV filters maximum concentrations are prescribed for the use of these substances in cosmetic products and, if necessary, additional conditions for use are defined. Prior to their approval in Annex VI, UV filters are examined selectively for their toxicological safety and subjected to comprehensive tests. The manufacturers must prove the health safety in extensive scientific studies. Moreover, the approved filters are re-assessed, if necessary on the basis of new scientific findings and in the event of possible conspicuous findings in market observation and the list is updated accordingly.

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Links to scientific assessments

Opinion of the SCCS (2012) on the safety as cosmetic ingredient

Addendum (2013) to the Opinion of the SCCS

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Further information

Concerning nano-scale zinc oxide, see the INCI name ZINC OXIDE (NANO)

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Belongs to the following substance groups

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Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.