What is "ZINC OXIDE" and what does it do?

Role: Mineral UV filter

Family: Mineral UV filter UVB, SHORT UVA, LONG UVA

Comedogenic index: 0

Zinc oxide is a mineral or inorganic sunscreen.

What's the difference with titanium dioxide?
Broader, better sun protection: The first major difference between zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is that zinc oxide offers even better, broader protection. It protects almost uniformly against UVB, UVA II and UVA I rays, and is considered to offer the widest range of protection of any sunscreen available today.

Stability and non-irritation: Zinc oxide is highly stable and generally non-irritating to the skin. Very rarely, it may provoke an allergic reaction. Although zinc oxide is considered non-sensitizing and non-comedogenic, it may in rare cases cause a mild allergic reaction.

Aesthetics: However, zinc oxide also has an aesthetic disadvantage. It leaves a disturbing whitish tint on the skin. Although a 2000 research study by Dr Pinnell suggests that it is slightly less white than titanium dioxide, it is still sufficiently white and disruptive that zinc oxide nanoparticles are increasingly being used.

Concerns about nanoparticles: There are concerns about the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles. If nanoparticles were absorbed through the skin, this could raise legitimate health concerns.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using zinc oxide?

Advantage: It protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Surprisingly, not all sunscreen ingredients protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide, however, does. "It's a photostable broad-spectrum sunscreen, so it offers one of the most extensive UVA coverages of any sunscreen ingredient.

Disadvantage: Leaves a white appearance.
When applied, sunscreens containing zinc oxide appear white on the skin, giving them a translucent, almost ghostly appearance. This makes them particularly difficult to use on darker skin. A tinted formula can give a more natural look. When using higher concentrations to achieve high SPF values, formulas are often tinted to mask the white discoloration they would otherwise leave on the skin.

Find out more about "Inci" cosmetic ingredients