Zinc Oxide in Personal Care Products

Zinc oxide (chemical formula ZnO) is easily recognized as the white, solid sunblock slathered on lifeguards’ noses in films of the 1980s. While today’s sunscreens still contain zinc oxide, it is not nearly as visible to the naked eye. Derived from the mineral zincite, zinc oxide from USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s extensive inventory has abundant uses in personal care products worldwide with a proven track record of centuries of use.

Cosmetics

Zinc oxide is a commonly-used gradient that determines the opacity and coverage of makeup as it adds viscosity to otherwise watery cosmetics. Widely acclaimed mineral makeup contains pure, finely ground zinc oxide as its base. With no added irritants (zinc oxide is soothing to almost every skin type) zinc oxide-based mineral makeup has surged in popularity. For this reason, nail products as well as facial cosmetics now contain zinc oxide.

Colorant 

Zinc oxide typically presents as a white powder. When added to cosmetics or personal care products, that opaque, white solid alters the color, leaving many products with a pure-white, clean base.

Personal Care Products

Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain zinc oxide to maintain moisture on the scalp, preventing the creation of the dry flakes of dandruff. Products advertised for sensitive skin often contain zinc oxide because it alleviates the use of additives for more natural, less irritating products. This soothing of the skin gives rise to zinc oxide being added as an ingredient to baby lotions, bath soaps, and foot powders.

Skin Protectant

Calamine lotion, diaper rash ointment and cream, sun- and windburn relievers, scar treatments, and many brands of antiseptic creams contain zinc oxide because this inert natural barrier holds moisture in while it staves off pathogen invasion of broken or damaged skin. The antibacterial properties of zinc oxide give it a starring role in antiseptic ointments; zinc oxide stabilizes products by barricading pathogens from spoiling skin protectants.

Sunscreen 

Zinc oxide forms a physical barrier to the sun when applied as a sunblock and is regarded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the broadest spectrum reflector of both UVA and UVB. Because it is a physical rather than a chemical barrier, it does not react with any of the body’s chemical processes. 

Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including zinc oxide. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.