UV Filter ·
Zinc Oxide
What is it?
Zinc oxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter used in sunscreens and some skin-protectant products, forming a physical barrier on the skin surface that reflects and scatters UV radiation.
What does it do?
Commonly used as a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen active. In vitro photoprotection testing found zinc-oxide-containing sunscreen products provided meaningfully higher SPF/UVA protection than plant-oil-based "natural" alternatives, which showed negligible photoprotection despite similar marketing claims.
How to use
Typically formulated at 2%-25% in sunscreen formulations.
Real products containing this
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.