Ingredient glossary
Zinc Oxide
On your shelf ✓What Zinc Oxide does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Zinc Oxide · Also: ZnO
In short: Zinc Oxide delivers uvb uva protection and anti inflammatory, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong.
- What it does
- Uvb uva protection, anti inflammatory
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Only as good as the sunscreen it lives in.
As a single filter, Zinc Oxide only matters as part of a finished sunscreen you actually reapply. The best SPF is the one that feels good enough to wear every morning.
— Maya
What it does
- uvb uva protection
- anti inflammatory
strong evidenceDermatology and regulatory data support zinc oxide up to 25% as a photostable broad-spectrum filter with minimal irritation and low systemic absorption.
On a label: usually effective at 5-25%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
- sensitive
- acne prone
- rosacea prone
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Often chosen for acne prone, rosacea prone.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- other uv filters
- antioxidants
Zinc Oxide, answered
Is Zinc Oxide safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Zinc Oxide is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Zinc Oxide?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Zinc Oxide. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Zinc Oxide actually works?
Zinc Oxide tends to do its job in the 5 to 25% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Can you mix Zinc Oxide with
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.