Below is every ingredient in Zinc Oxide + B5 Healing Ointment explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| 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. |
| Folliculitis or acneiform eruptions | Uncommon | Heavy occlusion may trap sebum and bacteria, particularly on acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Comedogenicity concerns | Rare | Highly refined, USP-grade petrolatum is generally considered non-comedogenic; issues are mostly anecdotal. |
| Greasy or occlusive feel/cosmetic intolerance | Common | Not a true adverse health effect, but the heavy texture is frequently disliked or poorly tolerated by users. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakouts | Uncommon | Often anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Rare | Transient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Zinc Oxide Key active UV filter / skin protectant | 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. |
| Petrolatum Occlusive emollient/moisturizer | Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, widely used as an occlusive agent that forms a protective barrier on the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss. It is considered one of the most effective and inert moisturizing ingredients in dermatology. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Microcrystalline Wax Thickener/Emollient | Microcrystalline wax is a refined petroleum-derived wax used in cosmetics to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, bind oils, and impart structure to products like balms, sticks, and creams. It functions primarily as a texture and consistency agent rather than a skin-active ingredient. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It functions as an emollient and occlusive agent in many cosmetic formulations. |
| Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate Emulsion stabilizer / viscosity controller | Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate (Epsom salt) is a mineral salt used in skincare primarily as an emulsion stabilizer and thickening or texturizing agent, particularly in water-in-oil formulations and bath products. It can also act as a mild exfoliant or soothing agent in soak preparations. |
| C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate Emollient / texture enhancer | C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate is a synthetic wax ester (alkyl ester) used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient, thickener, and texture-modifier. It imparts a smooth, conditioned feel to the skin and helps stabilize the consistency of creams, balms, and color cosmetics. |
| Polyglyceryl 2-Oleate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate is a polyglycerol ester of oleic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions. It is valued as a mild, plant-derived alternative to PEG-based emulsifiers in creams, cleansers, and makeup products. |
| Glyceryl Monostearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl monostearate is a non-ionic emulsifier and thickening agent widely used in creams and lotions to blend oil and water phases and improve texture. It also provides mild skin-conditioning and emollient properties. |
| Polyhydroxystearic Acid Dispersant/emulsifier | Polyhydroxystearic acid is a fatty acid derivative used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a dispersing agent and emulsifier, helping to evenly distribute pigments (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in sunscreens) and stabilize oil-based or water-in-oil systems. It improves texture, spreadability, and uniformity rather than providing a direct biological skin benefit. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate is a polyglycerol ester of stearic acid used as a non-ionic, oil-in-water emulsifier and emollient in creams and lotions. It helps stabilize formulations and improve skin feel without active therapeutic effects. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.