Is Zinc Oxide Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Zinc Oxide is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Zinc Oxide?
A mineral UV filter that sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. Considered one of the safest sunscreen active ingredients available.
Commonly found in: mineral sunscreen, diaper cream, calamine lotion, acne treatment
Safety Research & Evidence
A mineral UV filter that sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. Considered one of the safest sunscreen active ingredients available.
Regulatory status: FDA Category I safe and effective sunscreen ingredient; GRAS
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Titanium Dioxide | 8/10 |
How to Avoid Zinc Oxide
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Zinc Oxide" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Titanium Dioxide
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Zinc Oxide-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zinc Oxide safe for babies?
Zinc Oxide is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Zinc Oxide?
Safer alternatives include Titanium Dioxide (safety score: 8/10).
Is Zinc Oxide banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: FDA Category I safe and effective sunscreen ingredient; GRAS
How do I know if my product contains Zinc Oxide?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Zinc Oxide may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Mohammed YH et al. (2019). Safety of zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen PMID: 31188932