Is zinc oxide medicated?

What is the zinc oxide doing in your product?

Zinc oxide is also found in diaper rash medicines, hemorrhoid medicines and calamine lotion. Those are different product categories with different intended uses. The presence of zinc oxide alone is not a reason to use one in place of another: start with what the finished product is intended to do.1

Does zinc oxide make sunscreen a medicine?

In the United States, sunscreens are regulated as nonprescription drugs. Zinc oxide is a sunscreen active ingredient, meaning it contributes to the product's sun protection. That drug classification does not mean a zinc oxide sunscreen is intended to treat a rash or minor burn. Sun protection is its purpose. The FDA's 2021 proposed sunscreen order proposes that zinc oxide sunscreens be recognised as generally safe and effective; that proposal is separate from the existing requirements under which sunscreen drugs are marketed.4

Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that provides coverage against UVA and UVB, the ultraviolet rays that reach skin. Mineral filters protect primarily by absorbing UV radiation, rather than simply reflecting it. Sunscreen reduces UV exposure rather than blocking every ray, despite the ambitious career implied by the word "sunblock".2

How should you use a zinc oxide sunscreen?

1. 1Use sunscreen daily when the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or higher.
2. 2Apply it before going outside, using enough to maintain the labelled protection.
3. 3Reapply every two hours during sun exposure.

Look at the finished sunscreen's SPF and broad spectrum claims, not just the zinc oxide name. SPF mainly describes protection against UVB, while broad spectrum protection includes UVA. Sun protection is the main function of a primary sunscreen and a secondary function of sunscreen makeup, which is asking one product to hold two job titles.2

Particle size also affects appearance. Larger mineral particles can make sunscreen look opaque; smaller particles reduce that opacity. A less visible finish does not mean the zinc oxide has stopped being a UV filter.5

Is zinc oxide safe on skin?

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are considered safe as sunscreen filters applied to skin at concentrations up to 25% for the forms assessed. Larger zinc oxide particles are also considered safe for this use. Inhalation is different: zinc oxide nanoparticles can cause lung inflammation if breathed in, so skin application safety should not be extended to inhalable sprays.3

Zinc oxide can cause local irritation or an allergic reaction in someone sensitive to it. Stop using a product that causes a reaction and contact a healthcare professional. If a zinc oxide product is swallowed, contact poison control for advice. In the United States, call 1 800 222 1222; keep the product name, ingredients, strength, amount swallowed and time of exposure ready.1