Zinc oxide, or zinc oxide (ZnO), has long been an essential ingredient in skincare products. This inorganic compound, a white powder that is insoluble in water, offers a variety of benefits for skin health. In the skincare industry, zinc oxide is renowned for its sun-protecting properties, reducing irritation, and helping maintain overall skin health. Here’s a complete explanation of zinc oxide use in skincare products.
Understanding Zinc Oxide Use in Skincare
Zinc oxide is a synthetic inorganic compound composed of zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and oxygen (O²⁻). This compound is commonly found in sunscreens, powders, foundations, and lotions.
The main advantage of zinc oxide lies in its ability to reflect and absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to SpecialChem, zinc oxide can protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation, which can trigger premature aging and even the risk of skin cancer.
In addition to sun protection, zinc oxide has antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Data from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM RI) also stipulates that zinc oxide may be used in cosmetic products with a maximum limit of 25% to ensure consumer safety. This fact proves that zinc oxide is not only effective but also safe for use according to regulations.
The Main Benefits of Zinc Oxide for Skin
The zinc oxide use in skincare is not limited to sunscreen. This compound is also known to soothe irritated or inflamed skin. The zinc ion content helps reduce redness and supports the skin regeneration process.
According to research by Dian et al. (2020), zinc oxide effectively suppresses the release of histamine and inflammatory cytokines that trigger allergies and itching on the skin. This is why zinc oxide is also widely used in products for sensitive skin and baby skin.
Zinc oxide also plays an important role in treating acne. This compound inhibits excess sebum production, which is often the cause of acne. With its non-comedogenic properties, zinc oxide does not clog pores, making it safe for use on oily and acne-prone skin.
Applications of Zinc Oxide in Modern Skincare Products
In the world of modern skincare, zinc oxide is a versatile active ingredient. Zinc oxide-based sunscreen products provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This mechanism works by simultaneously reflecting and absorbing UV radiation, thus protecting the skin even in direct sunlight.
In addition to sunscreen, zinc oxide is used in foundation and powder to provide a matte effect that reduces excess shine on the face. Fine zinc oxide particles also help improve skin texture by clearing pores of dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, naturally radiant skin.
Interestingly, zinc oxide is water-resistant and stable at a neutral pH, so it remains effective in protecting the skin even when sweating or swimming. For this reason, many sports and outdoor cosmetic products use zinc oxide as a key ingredient.
Zinc oxide use in the skincare industry has been proven to provide numerous benefits, from UV protection and skin soothing to helping treat acne. With a safety limit regulated by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) of 25%, zinc oxide is a mainstay ingredient in various modern skincare products.
