Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide, a white mineral powder for skin care and makeup

Zinc Oxide is a fine white mineral powder, INCI Zinc Oxide, and one of the most widely used inorganic materials in cosmetics. It is insoluble in water and oil, so it is dispersed rather than dissolved, and it brings opacity, a matte finish and a soft, dry after-feel to creams, balms and powders. Buy it as a cosmetic grade raw material in packs from 10 g for bench work up to 1 kg bulk for production runs.

Common cosmetic uses

Formulators use Zinc Oxide to mattify and to add whiteness or coverage. It appears in setting powders, mineral foundations, primers for an oily-looking T-zone, rich balms and thick body creams, and in clay and peel-off masks. In makeup it also helps a powder look less shiny on the skin. Levels vary widely, from a few percent for a matte touch to much higher loads in thick pastes.

A note on after-sun care claims

This raw material is sold for cosmetic formulation only, so plan your claims for a finished product carefully.

How to work it into a formula

Pre-wet the powder in oil, glycerin or the chosen dispersing medium and mix with high shear so it does not clump. A smoothing partner such as Boron Nitride helps a high-zinc powder spread more easily, and allantoin is a classic companion in comforting rich creams. More functional powders and actives are in our cosmetic actives catalog. For wholesale volumes above 1 kg, request a bulk quote from the supplier specification. It ships from Florida, usually within 1 to 2 business days, in the pack sizes shown above, and US shipping is free on orders of $35 or more.