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HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES Learn more About EWG VERIFIED®

Data: Good

Zinc Oxide(sunscreen Grade)

  • Products with this ingredient are allowed for use in EWG VERIFIED but must meet use restrictions and warnings based on EWG review of company data.
  • This ingredient's score is higher if used in product forms that are inhalable (e.g., sprays, powders) because of respiratory concerns. The score is lower if used in product forms that have lower risk of inhalation (e.g., solids, liquids)
  • This ingredient's score is higher if used in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements. The score will be lower if used in products that meet these safety guidelines and requirements.

IMAGE SOURCE: PubChem

SEARCH PRODUCTS

Other Concerns

Enhanced skin absorption, Use restrictions (moderate), Persistence and bioaccumulation (low), Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low), Ecotoxicology (low), Occupational hazards (moderate), and Biochemical or cellular level changes (high)

SYNONYMS

● AKOS015904168
● ZINC OXIDE POWDER, 99.9% NANO
● 9015AF
● ZINC OXIDE, 99.999% (METALS BASIS)
● ZINC OXIDE NANOPOWDER (TYPE II)
● ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES / NANOPOWDER
● ZINC OXIDE, 30NM,20 WT.% ISOPROPANOL
● DB09321
● ZINC OXIDE, USP, 99-100.5%
● ZINC OXIDE(SUNSCREEN GRADE)

Restricted

Restricted: EWG VERIFIED products cannot contain this ingredient without adequate substantiation

Sunscreens with micronized zinc oxide may contain nanoparticles. Micronized zinc offers improved sun protection compared to larger particles. Micronized zinc particles do not penetrate healthy skin to a large degree, but may be more toxic to living cells and the environment. Inhalation of powders and sprays is a concern.

Common concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

  • LOW
    Cancer
  • MODERATE
    Allergies & Immunotoxicity
  • LOW
    Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
  • MODERATE
    Use Restrictions

Ingredient concerns

  • CONCERNS
  • DATA SOURCES

Products with this Ingredient

Expand content Collapse content
daily use with SPF715 products
facial moisturizer/treatment27 products
lip balm12 products
lip balm with SPF71 products
BB cream72 products
CC cream109 products
body firming lotion4 products
recreational sunscreen695 products
Facial Sun Care13 products
baby sunscreen154 products
tanning oil1 products
concealer3 products
foundation147 products
makeup primer7 products
diaper cream54 products
lipstick6 products
baby powder1 products
facial powder14 products
setting powder/spray2 products
blush3 products
eye shadow3 products
toners/astringents1 products
lip gloss13 products
baby lotion2 products
damaged skin treatment1 products
around-eye cream8 products
body powder1 products
anti-aging1 products
serums & essences13 products
liquid hand soap1 products

Decreased skin absorption

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.A study of the percutaneous absorption from topically applied zinc oxide ointment(1983-03-01)
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.Plasma zinc in psoriatic in-patients treated with local zinc applications(1980-05-01)
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.In vitro study of percutaneous absorption, cutaneous bioavailability and bioequivalence of zinc and copper from five topical formulations(1996-01-01)
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.A review of sunscreen safety and efficacy(1998-09-01)
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.Zinc and titanium oxides: promising UV-absorbers but what influence do they have on the intact skin?(1997-08-01)
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.Cutaneous permeation of zinc oxide and sinc sulphate through pig skin in vitro(1999-01-01)
Limited potential to absorb into the skin.Dermal absorption of ZnO particles from sunscreens applied to humans at the beach(2010-01-01)

Occupational hazards

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Moderate evidence of occupational hazardsMetal fume fever(1993-07-01)
Strong evidence of occupational hazardsMetal fume fever(1993-07-01)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate dosesUS National Library of Medicine,

Cancer

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CONCERN REFERENCE
One or more in vitro tests on microorganisms show positive mutation resultsClastogenicity, photo-clastogenicity or pseudo-photo-clastogenicity: Genotoxic effects of zinc oxide in the dark, in pre-irradiated or simultaneously irradiated Chinese hamster ovary cells(2006-09-05)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation resultsIn vitro cytotoxicity of oxide nanoparticles: comparison to asbestos, silica, and the effect of particle solubility(2006-07-15)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation resultsDNA damaging potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles in human epidermal cells(2009-03-28)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation resultsOpinion concerning Zinc Oxide: European Commission(2003-01-01)

Ecotoxicology

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Wildlife and environmental toxicityComparative eco-toxicity of nanoscale TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO water suspensions(2006-11-01)
Wildlife and environmental toxicityEU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes
Not suspected to be an environmental toxinEnvironment Canada

Persistence and bioaccumulation

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Found to be persistent and bioaccumulative in wildlifeRegional and species specific bioaccumulation of major and trace elements in Arctic seabirds(2006-11-01)
Not suspected to be persistentEnvironment Canada
Not suspected to be bioaccumulativeEnvironment Canada

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Associated with cardiovascular toxicityInduction of inflammation in vascular endothelial cells by metal oxide nanoparticles: effect of particle composition(2007-03-01)
Classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmfulEnvironment Canada
Classified as a low human health priorityEnvironment Canada
One or more animal studies show classified as toxic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Biochemical or cellular level changes

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease.DNA damaging potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles in human epidermal cells(2009-03-28)
Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease.DNA Damage Photoinduced by Cosmetic Pigments and Sunscreen Agents under Solar Exposure and Artifical UV Illumination(2006-01-01)

Enhanced skin absorption

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skinConsiderations for Regulation of Nanomaterial Containing Products Presentation by Nakissa Sadrieh, Ph.D., Office of Pharmaceutical Science, CDER, FDA(2006-01-01)
Nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skinNanoWerk
Suspected nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skinNanoWerk

Developmental/reproductive toxicity

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Not likely to be a reproductive toxicant in humansZINC OXIDE Part II Human Health, CAS No: 1314-13-2, EINECS No: 215-222-5; Summary Risk Assessment Report Addendum to the Part II (Human Health) I-21020 Ispra (VA) Italy(2004-01-01)

Multiple, additive exposure sources

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in foodUS Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Informational

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Industry or government recommendations for safe use: restrictions on concentration, impurities, product types, or manufacturing methods - Color additive approved by FDA for use in cosmeticsUS Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Industry or government recommendations for safe use: restrictions on concentration, impurities, product types, or manufacturing methods - Color additive approved by FDA for cosmetics used around eyesUS Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Industry or government recommendations for safe use: restrictions on concentration, impurities, product types, or manufacturing methods - Color Additives - Exempt from Batch Certification by the U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationPersonal Care Products Council

Allergies/immunotoxicity

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Limited evidence of dermal toxicity or allergiesEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Human immune and respiratory toxicant or allergen - strong evidenceAssociation of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)

Use restrictions

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CONCERN REFERENCE
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - EU Cosmetics Directive
  • A study of the percutaneous absorption from topically applied zinc oxide ointment(1983-03-01)
  • Plasma zinc in psoriatic in-patients treated with local zinc applications(1980-05-01)
  • In vitro study of percutaneous absorption, cutaneous bioavailability and bioequivalence of zinc and copper from five topical formulations(1996-01-01)
  • A review of sunscreen safety and efficacy(1998-09-01)
  • Zinc and titanium oxides: promising UV-absorbers but what influence do they have on the intact skin?(1997-08-01)
  • Cutaneous permeation of zinc oxide and sinc sulphate through pig skin in vitro(1999-01-01)
  • Dermal absorption of ZnO particles from sunscreens applied to humans at the beach(2010-01-01)
  • Metal fume fever(1993-07-01)
  • US National Library of Medicine,
  • Clastogenicity, photo-clastogenicity or pseudo-photo-clastogenicity: Genotoxic effects of zinc oxide in the dark, in pre-irradiated or simultaneously irradiated Chinese hamster ovary cells(2006-09-05)
  • In vitro cytotoxicity of oxide nanoparticles: comparison to asbestos, silica, and the effect of particle solubility(2006-07-15)
  • DNA damaging potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles in human epidermal cells(2009-03-28)
  • Opinion concerning Zinc Oxide: European Commission(2003-01-01)
  • Comparative eco-toxicity of nanoscale TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO water suspensions(2006-11-01)
  • EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes
  • Environment Canada
  • Regional and species specific bioaccumulation of major and trace elements in Arctic seabirds(2006-11-01)
  • Induction of inflammation in vascular endothelial cells by metal oxide nanoparticles: effect of particle composition(2007-03-01)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • DNA Damage Photoinduced by Cosmetic Pigments and Sunscreen Agents under Solar Exposure and Artifical UV Illumination(2006-01-01)
  • Considerations for Regulation of Nanomaterial Containing Products Presentation by Nakissa Sadrieh, Ph.D., Office of Pharmaceutical Science, CDER, FDA(2006-01-01)
  • NanoWerk
  • ZINC OXIDE Part II Human Health, CAS No: 1314-13-2, EINECS No: 215-222-5; Summary Risk Assessment Report Addendum to the Part II (Human Health) I-21020 Ispra (VA) Italy(2004-01-01)
  • US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Personal Care Products Council
  • European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
  • EU Cosmetics Directive

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.


HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG Verified® mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Score legend
WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE APPROACH

A product’s hazard score is not an average of the ingredients’ hazard scores. It is calculated using a weight-of-evidence approach that factors in all of the hazards or health impacts associated with the ingredients.

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST
Low Availability
Moderate Availability
High Availability
NONE

Ingredients have not been assessed.

LIMITED-FAIR

There is only a modest volume of research.

GOOD-ROBUST

Ingredients have been studied extensively.

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