As a sunscreen, zinc oxide helps protect against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. The distribution characteristics of zinc oxide help it to spread evenly.

Physical and chemical sunscreen active ingredients differ in the mechanism by which they protect the skin from the sun. Physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide, form a physical shield-like barrier to UV light by reflecting rays away from the skin. Chemical sunscreens work in the top layers of the skin and absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin’s deeper layers.

Zinc oxide is a physical UV filter that reflects and scatters damaging UVA and UVB rays off the skin’s surface to help to prevent sunburn and long-term sun damage. Unlike chemical UV filters that penetrate the uppermost layers of the skin to absorb UV rays before they can damage deeper layers, physical sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide form a shield-like UV barrier on the skin’s surface.

A physical UV filter low known risk of skin irritation, sunscreens with zinc oxide can be suitable for all skin types, including babies and sensitive skin.

Proper application is essential to maximize zinc oxide’s effectiveness. It’s important to apply a sufficient amount of zinc oxide sunscreen to exposed skin before sun exposure, and to reapply at least every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel-drying. To help avoid a white, chalky residue, look for sunscreens that contain a micronized zinc oxide, such as InVisibleZinc™ Technology.

Zinc oxide is an extremely effective UV-blocking ingredient appropriate in sunscreens for skin exposed to the sun whether on the face or body, and sunscreens with zinc oxide may be suitable for use on babies and children as well.

Zinc oxide is an inert mineral-based ingredient. A sunscreen with zinc oxide is the ideal final step in any morning skincare routine.