December 07, 2019
2 min read
All You Need To Know About Zinc Oxide
Since we’ve already talked about Titanium Dioxide, let's shed some light on the subject of the uses and the safety of Zinc Oxide, shall we?
What Is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc Oxide is a naturally occurring inert mineral - the oxidized form of zinc. Even though zinc is the most abundant element on planet Earth, the amounts of its oxidized form (zinc oxide) in nature are limited. Thanks to the advanced of modern green chemistry, several eco-friendly ways to synthesize it in a lab are used to satisfy the needs of the cosmetic market. What's best is that the most widely used methods for the synthesis of zinc oxide do not pollute the environment + manage to preserve fully the beneficial properties of this amazing natural compound.
Is Zinc Oxide Organic?
While mineral makeup can be formulated with the help of compounds that are certified organic (like our Minerals infused with Pure Organic Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C), it cannot be formulated without the use of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (natural, but definitely not organic compounds). In other words – yes, mineral makeup can be 100% natural, but not 100% organic.
Is Zinc Oxide Safe?
FDA says that zinc oxide is “Generally Regarded as Safe” and the data available supports this claim fully. No scientific research has managed to show any side effects of the use of zinc oxide in skin care products and makeup, hence we can say with confidence that it is non-toxic and will not, in any way, harm your health.
The biggest safety concern related to zinc oxide, though, comes from the fact that nanoparticles are suspected to be harmful to the human health. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that not all commercially available types of zinc oxide are nano. Basically, there are two types – micronized (nano) and non-micronized (non-nano). Following extensive research in this area, we are extremely confident about the superior quality and safety of the non-nano sized ingredients used in our products (this includes both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).
The zinc oxide we use is considered fine with particles between 1 and 2 microns. As a nano or ultra-fine particle it measures less than 0.1 microns (100 nanometers), our ingredients are well above the nanoparticle threshold and cannot, under any circumstances, penetrate the skin.
LAMAV’s Anti-Aging Minerals are infused with Vitamin C and Pure Organic Rosehip Oil to now only give you a flawless finish but also to nourish your skin and prevent premature aging.
Why Do We Use It?
The primary reason why skin care manufacturers use zinc oxide is that it offers outstanding, all-natural broad-spectrum sun protection, absorbing both UVA and UVB rays. This makes it a great ally in the fight with premature aging and hyperpigmentation.
Since zinc oxide is not irritating and doesn’t clog pores, it can be used for the formulation of products for people with hypersensitive skin and is highly unlikely to have any negative side effect. Apart from that zinc oxide balances sebum secretion and reduces inflammation, therefore is ideal for treating acne-prone skin.
Lastly, zinc oxide is used to make baby products. It prevents the appearance of the so-called “diaper rashes”, by forming a thin layer that locks moisture in and protects the gentle baby skin from external aggressors. Besides that, it reduces the urge to itch, by soothing irritations. A true miracle worker!
