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ZINC OXIDE

ZINC OXIDE

Zinc oxide is a white, mineral-based powder that is primarily used in cosmetics as a UV filter and pigment (CI 77947). As an ingredient in sunscreen, it protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays by absorbing them and, to a small extent, reflecting them. In addition, zinc oxide can have astringent and anti-inflammatory effects.(1-2)

(1) Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Encyclopedia of Cosmetics and Personal Care. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.

(2) Kim, K., Kim, Y., Lim, S., Roh, T., Bang, D., Choi, S., Lim, D., Kim, Y., Baek, S., Kim, M., Seo, H., Kim, M., Kim, H., Lee, J., Kacew, S., & Lee, B. (2017). Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter in sunscreens. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 20, 155–182.