Ingredient glossary
Zinc Oxide
INCI: Zinc Oxide · Also: ZnO
Sun protection
Does Zinc Oxide clash with what you already use? Check it →A UV filter. What matters is how the finished sunscreen feels and whether it covers the full spectrum, not this one name on the label.
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
Plays well with
- other uv filters
- antioxidants
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.
Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.