ZINC OXIDE

Zinc oxide is a white, mineral powder that is used in cosmetics primarily as a UV filter and pigment (CI 77947). As a component of a sunscreen, it protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays by absorbing them and reflecting them to a small extent. Zinc oxide can also have an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect(1-2).

(1) Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.

(2) Kim, K., Kim, Y., Lim, S., Roh, T., Bang, D., Choi, S., Lim, D., Kim, Y., Baek, S., Kim, M., Seo, H., Kim, M., Kim, H., Lee, J., Kacew, S., & Lee, B. (2017). Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 20, 155-182.