Zinc Oxide is an inorganic mineral cosmetic ingredient with the chemical formula ZnO. It is identified by CAS No. 1314-13-2, EC No. 215-222-5, and has a molecular weight of approximately 81.38 g/mol. Zinc Oxide is normally supplied as a fine white or faintly yellowish-white powder and has very low solubility in water. The International Pharmacopoeia describes it as a very fine, amorphous powder used topically as a protective material.
In cosmetics, Zinc Oxide has a particularly broad technical role. It may function as a UV filter, UV absorber, skin-protecting ingredient, antimicrobial ingredient, light stabilizer and bulking agent. COSMILE Europe also identifies Zinc Oxide as the white pigment associated with CI 77947 in decorative cosmetics, skin-care and protective creams.
Zinc Oxide should be distinguished from Zinc Oxide (Nano) because particle size and material characteristics are relevant to regulatory assessment and formulation performance.
Zinc Oxide is composed of zinc and oxygen in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Its formula is ZnO, relative molecular mass is 81.38, and its primary CAS number is 1314-13-2. The material is thermally stable and practically insoluble in water and ethanol, while it dissolves in dilute mineral acids.
The physical characteristics of Zinc Oxide can vary significantly by manufacturing route and intended application. Cosmetic grades may be produced with different particle sizes, surface areas, morphologies and surface treatments. Coated grades can be used to improve dispersion and mixing in cosmetic formulations. COSMILE notes that Zinc Oxide may be coated with substances such as silicone compounds for improved dispersibility.
For quality control, assay, loss on ignition, elemental impurities, particle size and surface characteristics may be relevant depending on the grade.
Zinc Oxide is one of the most multifunctional mineral ingredients used in cosmetic formulations. COSMILE Europe identifies it as a UV filter, UV absorber, skin-protecting ingredient, antimicrobial, light stabilizer, oral-care ingredient and bulking ingredient.
In sunscreen systems, Zinc Oxide functions as a mineral UV filter capable of absorbing and scattering UV radiation across a broad range. COSMILE describes it as covering both UV-B and UV-A regions.
Zinc Oxide is also used as a white pigment. Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, Zinc Oxide is listed as CI 77947 for colourant use, with separate conditions applying when it is used as a UV filter.
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Ingredient is used across a wide range of formulation categories, including:
Its white pigment properties make it useful in colour cosmetics, while its UV-filter properties make it important in sunscreen development. COSMILE specifically notes applications in sunscreens, decorative cosmetics, skin-care and protective creams.
Zinc Oxide is practically insoluble in water, so formulation behaviour depends strongly on particle size, dispersion quality, surface treatment and the surrounding formulation system. Proper dispersion is particularly important for sunscreen and pigment applications because agglomeration can affect optical behaviour and product consistency.
For formulations using Zinc Oxide as a UV filter, the exact grade must be assessed for its regulatory status and particle characteristics. Non-nano Zinc Oxide and Zinc Oxide (Nano) should not be treated as interchangeable materials.
The EU Cosmetics Regulation permits Zinc Oxide and specified Zinc Oxide (Nano) as UV filters at a maximum concentration of 25% in the ready-to-use cosmetic, with restrictions including avoiding applications that could expose the end user's lungs by inhalation. For nano Zinc Oxide, additional requirements apply to purity, particle-size distribution, crystal structure, water solubility and permitted coatings.
For commercial raw-material control, assay, arsenic, lead, other elemental impurities, loss on ignition and particle characteristics should be evaluated against the selected specification.
Zinc Oxide is an important cosmetic raw material and mineral ingredient for manufacturers developing sunscreen, skin-care, decorative cosmetic and personal-care products. Businesses sourcing Zinc Oxide in India may require a specification matched to their intended application, together with batch-level technical documentation.
For B2B procurement, relevant searches include Zinc Oxide cosmetic ingredient manufacturer in India, Zinc Oxide supplier India, Zinc Oxide manufacturing in India, Zinc Oxide cosmetic raw material supplier, Zinc Oxide personal care ingredient supplier and bulk Zinc Oxide ingredient supply.
The commercial grade should be selected according to whether the customer requires pigment-grade, cosmetic-grade, micronized or nano-material characteristics. Regulatory claims should always correspond to the actual grade supplied.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0–102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |