Zinc Oxide
The gold standard mineral (physical) sunscreen filter. Zinc oxide provides the broadest spectrum UV protection of any single ingredient, covering the entire UVA and UVB range. It works by physically reflecting and scattering UV photons rather than absorbing them (though new research shows it also absorbs some UV energy). It is the only sunscreen filter generally recognized as safe for all ages, including infants.
Concentration & Usage
In sunscreens: 10-25% concentration. Apply 1/4 teaspoon for face. Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure. Tinted formulations with iron oxides provide additional visible light protection. Micronized/nano zinc oxide reduces white cast.
Application
Topical (sunscreen, tinted moisturizer). Apply liberally. Reapply every 2 hours during exposure. Works immediately upon application (no wait time).
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Zinc oxide particles sit on the skin surface and primarily scatter and reflect UV radiation across the full UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (280–320 nm) spectrum via Rayleigh and Mie scattering. At nano scale, zinc oxide also absorbs UV photons and undergoes semiconductor band-gap excitation, converting UV energy to heat—a mechanism similar to organic chemical filters. It provides the broadest single-ingredient UV coverage available. Beyond photoprotection, zinc oxide exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6), and modulating Toll-like receptor signaling. It supports barrier repair by promoting occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression in tight junctions. Zinc ions have mild antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. These properties underlie its use in diaper rash creams, wound care, and post-procedure skincare. Zinc oxide does not penetrate intact stratum corneum when formulated as micronized or nano particles.
Ingredient Interactions
Vitamin C serum under a zinc oxide sunscreen is one of the best photoprotection strategies. The antioxidant neutralizes free radicals that UV generates even with sunscreen.
Niacinamide and zinc oxide coexist in many sunscreen formulations. Niacinamide provides barrier support while zinc oxide blocks UV.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
FDA-approved OTC sunscreen active. GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Available worldwide. The only sunscreen filter approved for infants under 6 months.
Risks & Safety
Common
White cast (more pronounced on darker skin tones), heavy/thick feel, potential for pilling under makeup.
Serious
Nano zinc oxide safety is debated but current evidence shows it does not penetrate intact skin.
Rare
Contact allergy (extremely rare).
Compare Zinc Oxide With
Research Papers
10Published: October 20, 2025
AI Summary
This systematic review aims to elucidate the roles of ZnO NPs in the wound healing processes associated with mechanical injuries, diabetic ulcers, and burns. The findings across studies show that ZnO-loaded dressings exhibit superior efficacy in promoting tissue regeneration.
Published: November 9, 2019
AI Summary
The public should be counseled to seek shade, use photoprotective clothing including hats and glasses in addition to sunscreens on sun-exposed skin. For those concerned about emerging evidence of environmental impact of organic UV filters, based on current evidence, ZnO and TiO2 -containing sunscreens are safe alternatives.
Published: December 30, 2024
AI Summary
Recent advancements in dermatological therapeutics have highlighted the need for treatments that enhance skin regeneration and healing. Diamond-Augmented Zinc Oxide (ND-ZnO) technology combines zinc oxide with diamond particles in a unique core-shell structure, offering a multifaceted approach to ov
Published: January 4, 2022
AI Summary
However, the safety issues and the hazards of ZnONPs, which can be taken up by the skin and cause skin toxicity, are still unclear. From a chemoprevention point of view, pterostilbene (PT) has been reported to prevent skin damage effectively by its anti-inflammatory and autophagy inducer effect.
Published: September 30, 2022
AI Summary
Melasma remains a significant cause of cosmetic morbidity and psychosocial embarrassment affecting quality of life necessitating effective and reliable treatment. Worth Texas, often modified incorporating different corticosteroids) remains the only US FDA-approved treatment for melasma and is the gold standard due its demonstrated efficacy acros...
Published: January 27, 2018
AI Summary
Zinc is a promising alternative to other acne treatments owing to its low cost, efficacy, and lack of systemic side effects. In this literature review, we evaluate the effectiveness and side-effect profiles of various formulations of zinc used to treat acne.
Published: April 21, 2022
AI Summary
Compared to the sole ZnO which showed non-measurable antimicrobial activity at a concentration of 10 mg/L, both ZnO/PSs demonstrated antimicrobial rates ranged 99%-99.99% against Escherichia coli, normal and drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Published: February 17, 2021
AI Summary
Significant loss of skin protection from two well-known commercial suncreams when exposed to simulated UV sunlight. Cream I: titanium dioxide, ethylhexyl triazone, avobenzone, and octinoxate; Cream II: octyl salicylate, oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
Published: May 22, 2021
AI Summary
Tinted sunscreens use different formulations and concentrations of iron oxides and pigmentary titanium dioxide to provide protection against visible light. Therefore, tinted sunscreens are beneficial for patients with visible light-induced photodermatoses and those with hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmen...
Published: November 11, 2023
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zinc Oxide used for?
The gold standard mineral (physical) sunscreen filter. Zinc oxide provides the broadest spectrum UV protection of any single ingredient, covering the entire UVA and UVB range. It works by physically reflecting and scattering UV photons rather than absorbing them (though new research shows it also absorbs some UV energy). It is the only sunscreen filter generally recognized as safe for all ages, including infants.
What are the side effects of Zinc Oxide?
Common: White cast (more pronounced on darker skin tones), heavy/thick feel, potential for pilling under makeup. Serious: Nano zinc oxide safety is debated but current evidence shows it does not penetrate intact skin. Rare: Contact allergy (extremely rare).
How is Zinc Oxide administered?
Zinc Oxide is administered via topical (sunscreen, tinted moisturizer). apply liberally. reapply every 2 hours during exposure. works immediately upon application (no wait time)..
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