Zinc oxide is a white, mineral powder used in cosmetics primarily as a UV filter and pigment (CI 77947). As a component of a sunscreen, it protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays by absorbing and slightly reflecting them. Additionally, zinc oxide can have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. (1) (2)

1 Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.

2 Kim, K., Kim, Y., Lim, S., Roh, T., Bang, D., Choi, S., Lim, D., Kim, Y., Baek, S., Kim, M., Seo, H., Kim, M., Kim, H., Lee, J., Kacew, S., & Lee, B. (2017). Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 20, 155-182.