No fungal-acne, pore-clogging, fragrance or drying-alcohol flags for Zinc Oxide in our reference data.
Zinc oxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation by scattering and absorbing light. It also has mild astringent and soothing properties and is used in sunscreens, diaper creams, and barrier preparations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White cast / cosmetic residue on skin | Common | Non-micronized particles can leave a visible white film, especially on darker skin tones. |
| Dryness or mild skin tightness | Uncommon | Due to its astringent nature, particularly in high concentrations. |
| Clogged pores / acne aggravation | Uncommon | More often attributed to occlusive base ingredients than to zinc oxide itself. |
| Contact irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally well tolerated; irritation often relates to other formulation components. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True allergy to zinc oxide is uncommon; reactions usually involve other excipients or fragrances. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.