Zinc oxide is one of the true unsung multitasking skin ingredients and has been a staple in dermatology and skincare for years. The uses of zinc oxide for skin range from sun protection to soothing irritated skin to makeup. Furthermore, zinc oxide formulations have come a long way over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of zinc oxide (both nano and traditional) for skin, its safety and how it compares to alternatives.
What is Zinc Oxide?
Thi is a naturally occurring white powdery mineral compound made up of zinc and oxygen. It has protective, soothing and healing properties. As such, zinc oxide used for centuries, especially for its ability to treat minor irritations, sun damage and inflammation. For this reason, zinc oxide has a long and widespread history of uses in skincare, cosmetics and medicinal skin ointments.
Benefits of Zinc Oxide for Skin
Zinc oxide offers a wide range of benefits for the skin. These are due to its protective, anti-inflammatory and wound healing functions. Below are some of the key benefits of zinc oxide for skin:
- Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection: One of the most significant zinc oxide benefits is its ability to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV radiation, zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier that reflects and scatters the sun’s rays. It provides UVA protection which shields against long-wave ultraviolet rays responsible for skin ageing. It also offers UVB protection as it locks short-wave ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and damage. Zinc oxide is also photostable, meaning it won’t degrade when exposed to sunlight, so it is used in some longer-lasting sunscreens.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Zinc oxide can help with calming inflammation, redness and irritation. That’s why you see it commonly in skincare products to treat diaper rash, minor burns, irritation and acne-prone skin.
- Supports Wound Healing:Another benefit of zinc oxide is it promotes skin regeneration and accelerates the healing of minor cuts, scrapes and irritations. It also has some antimicrobial properties which help protect damaged skin from infection whilst it heals.
- Anti-Acne & Oil-Absorbing: In general, zinc oxide doesn’t tend to clog pores or exacerbate acne. It also has natural oil-absorbing properties, which makes it great for oily or combination skin. Zinc oxide also helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing of acne breakouts.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Zinc oxide is inherently gentle and non-irritating. This makes it ideal for those with sensitive or reactive skin. This ie because zinc oxide sits on the skin’s surface and doesn’t penetrate deeply. It’s also for eczema-prone skin, Rosacea and post-procedure care (e.g. after chemical peels or laser treatments).
Uses of Zinc Oxide in Skincare
There are multiple uses of zinc oxide in skincare and cosmetics. This is due to its versatility and numerous skin benefits. Below are the ,pst common uses of zinc dioxide in skincare:
- Sunscreens: The most common use of zinc oxide in skincare is as an active ingredient in mineral sunscreens. Like titanium dioxide (another mineral in sunscreen), it offers broad-spectrum protection without irritating the skin or causing hormonal disruptions.
- Diaper Rash Creams: Zinc oxide is widely used in baby products to prevent and treat diaper rash due to its soothing, protective and moisture-repelling properties.
- Acne Treatments: Many acne creams and masks contain zinc oxide to calm inflamed skin, reduce redness, and protect acne lesions from environmental damage.
- Barrier Creams: Zinc oxide create a protective layer over the skin which is why you can find it in a lot of skin barrier repair creams. This shields it from external aggressors such as moisture, pollutants and allergens.
- Post-Procedure Care: You will find zinc oxide in many post-procedure creams. Here its purpose is to soothe the skin and promote healing after professional skin treatments like microneedling and microdermabrasian.
- Makeup: Zinc oxide is also found in mineral makeup products, including foundation and powders. This is because it provides additional sun protection and is suitable for sensitive skin.
How to Use Zinc Oxide in Your Skincare Routine
There are a number of products that contain zin oxide. The best way to add zinc oxide into your skincare routine is by first identifying your skin concerns and skin type. This will help identify the best treatment type. Below are some of the best ways to add it into your skincare routine:
- Daily Sunscreen: Zinc oxide sunscreens offer great protection especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.It is also safe for pregnancy and children. However, they may leave a white caste in skin of colour so check that the formula will look good on more pigmented skin tones.
- Spot Treatment: Use zinc oxide-based creams or lotions to soothe acne breakouts, redness or irritation.
- Barrier Protection: Apply barrier creams containing zinc oxide to protect sensitive or inflamed skin.
- Mineral Makeup: Opt for zinc oxide-infused foundations or powders to combine sun protection with coverage. These are esepcially suitable for those with sensitive, acne-prone or reactive skin.
What’s the Difference between Traditional vs Nano Zinc Oxide?
In recent years, nano zinc oxide has emerged as a modern alternative to traditional zinc oxide mainly to overcome some of its limitations. These nano-sized zinc oxide particles are used in many sunscreens to improve texture, eliminate the white cast and provide a transparent finish. Below are the main differences between traditional vs nano zinc oxide:
| Zinc Oxide | Nano Zinc Oxide | |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | Larger particles, visible on skin | Smaller particles (<100nm), invisible on skin |
| Appearance | Can leave a white cast | Transparent or semi-transparent finish |
| Sun Protection | Excellent broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) | Equally effective broad-spectrum coverage |
| Penetration | Stays on the skin surface | Minimal skin penetration |
| Environmental Impact | Reef-safe, non-toxic | Concerns over nanoparticle pollution in marine ecosystems |
Safety of Zinc Oxide in Skincare
Zinc oxide has long been recognised as one of the safest skincare ingredients. It has approval by regulatory bodies like the FDA, European Commission and Therapeutic Goods Administration. It’s non-toxic, gentle and well-tolerated by all skin types. Additionally, zinc oxide does not absorb into the bloodstream which it a safe option for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Traditional zinc oxide is also reef-safe and considered environmentally friendly unlike some chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.
There are some controversies surrounding nano zinc oxide however. This is because it consists of much smaller particles. This has raised questions about skin penetration, systemic absorption and environmental safety. These are the main concerns and what we know so far are from the scientific literature:
- Skin Penetration: Research shows that nano zinc oxide particles primarily sit on the skin’s outermost layer (stratum corneum). This means they do not penetrate deep enough to reach viable skin cells or the bloodstream. In fact even on damaged skin, such as cuts or eczema, there is minimal penetration.
- Inhalation Risks: The primary safety concern with nano zinc oxide relates to aerosol and spray formulations. This is because inhaling nanoparticles could pose a risk to the lungs. As such nano zinc oxide skincare products come in the form of creams and lotion to avoid this risk.
- Environmental Concerns: Although traditional zinc oxide is reef-safe, there are concerns that nano zinc oxide may cause nanoparticle pollution in marine ecosystems. There is evidence suggesting that nanoparticles can disrupt marine life, particularly coral reefs and plankton.
Regulatory bodies, including the FDA and SCCS, have thoroughly reviewed nano zinc oxide and concluded that it is safe for use in sunscreens and skincare products provided it formulated correctly. Nano zinc oxide is ideal for uses in cosmetic skin formulations. However, always avoid it in spray products to prevent inhalation. If you prefer an eco-friendly option or have very sensitive skin, traditional zinc oxide remains the safest choice.
Alternative Ingredients for Sunscreen
Zinc oxide remains one of the safest and most effective sun protection ingredients, especially for sensitive skin. However, its not for everyone and some people may find it too drying or are allergic to it. if you can’t tolerate it or don’t like the look or feel, there are some alternatives. Below we compare zinc oxide to the main alternative sun protection ingredients:
| Protection | Safety | Suitable for Sensitive Skin? | Appearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Oxide | UVA + UVB (physical) | Highly safe, non-irritating | Yes | May leave a white cast |
| Titanium Dioxide | UVB + some UVA | Safe, but less UVA coverage | Yes | Minimal white cast |
| Chemical Filters | UVA + UVB (varies) | May irritate or cause allergies | No | Invisible on the skin |
Zinc oxide is a colossal skincare ingredient that offers unmatched benefits for the skin and an excellent safety record. From broad-spectrum sun protection to acne or anti-inflammatory care, zinc oxide has a number of uses for skin. Newer nano zinc oxide formulas also deliver the same benefits but without a white cast though there are some concerns regarding their ecological and inhalation risks. as with anything in life, always do your research and select the treatmenst that make the most sense for your skin and circumstances.
At City Skin Clinic, we beyond passionate about personalised skincare. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients. These include Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
