Zinc Oxide (AROMA-ZONE)

Zinc Oxide (Aroma-Zone) at a glance

This zinc oxide is a white layered powder sold under the Aroma-Zone name. Zinc oxide is one of the oldest mineral ingredients in personal care. It is a white pigment that covers, mattifies and leaves a dry, protective film on the skin. The supplier specification gives only the form and appearance, so check the supplier data sheet and CoA for the grade, purity and particle size before deciding on a product type.

What zinc oxide brings to a formula

Its white color gives opacity and coverage. Its matte character absorbs some surface oil, which makes it useful in face powders and products for oily skin. In thick pastes and balms it forms a protective layer that sits on the skin. These properties explain why zinc oxide has been used for generations in baby-area care and mineral face products.

Product formats

Mineral creams

Creams with a light white cast and a matte finish.

Baby-area balms

Thick protective balms for the diaper area.

Face powders

Loose and pressed powders with a matte effect.

Clay masks

Masks for oily skin combining clay and zinc oxide.

Protective pastes

Classic thick pastes for areas that need a barrier.

Dispersing zinc oxide

Zinc oxide does not dissolve in water or oil. Disperse it into the oil phase or into a glycerin premix with strong stirring or a homogenizer, so that no lumps remain. Add a dispersing agent such as polyhydroxystearic acid in oil-based systems. Check under a microscope or by spreading a thin film for agglomerates.

Do not make such claims based on the presence of zinc oxide alone.

Good partners

Zinc oxide pharma is another grade on the shop. Unrefined shea butter suits baby balms, and kaolin or bentonite suit masks. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Check the dispersion for lumps, viscosity changes and settling. Measure whiteness on skin and how it looks after ten minutes.

Claims

Matte finish; protective layer on skin; skin feels dry and comfortable.

Characteristics

Form: powder. Appearance: white layered powder. Solubility: insoluble, dispersed. Grade and particle size: supplier data sheet and CoA.

Original recipe: protective baby-area balm, 100 g

Sunflower oil 45.00 g, shea butter 20.00 g, beeswax 10.00 g, zinc oxide 15.00 g, castor oil 8.00 g, tocopherol 1.00 g, polyhydroxystearic acid 1.00 g. Melt the waxes and butter in the oils, add polyhydroxystearic acid, disperse zinc oxide with a homogenizer, add tocopherol below 60 °C and pour into jars while stirring.

Handling the powder

Zinc oxide is a fine powder, so weigh it with care and avoid creating dust. Wear a mask and gloves when handling larger amounts. Clean equipment thoroughly afterwards, since white residues are easy to miss.

Texture balance

High levels of zinc oxide can make a product heavy and draggy. Light esters, starch powders and a little silica help improve spreadability. For face products, test the white cast on a range of skin tones.

Formulating for babies

Products for the diaper area should use simple formulas with few ingredients, no fragrance and gentle preservation. A safety assessment for products intended for children under three is essential.

Range ideas

A baby balm, a matte face powder and a clay mask can share zinc oxide across different needs.

Lot records

Keep each CoA with the batch file and note the lot used.

Storage

Store closed in a dry place. Close the container after use.