Zinc Oxide, Mineral Sunscreen-CAS 1314-13-2
Product Name: Zinc Oxide
INCI Name: ZINC OXIDE
CAS Number: 1314-13-2
EINECS Number: 215-222-5
Molecular Formula: ZnO
Molecular Weight: 81.38 g/mo
Product Grade: Cosmetic grade
Appearance: White fine powder, odorless
Odor: Odorless
Product Purity: ≥99.0%
Packaging: 1kg aluminum foil bag, 25kg fiber
Shelf Life: 24 months
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep sealed, protect from moisture
Zinc Oxide, mineral sunscreen, physical UV filter, broad spectrum sunscreen, nano zinc oxide, non-nano zinc oxide, reef safe sunscreen, sensitive skin sunscreen, baby sunscreen, cosmetic grade zinc oxide
Zinc Oxide, Mineral Sunscreen-CAS 1314-13-2
Zinc Oxide is the gold standard mineral UV filter in the cosmetic industry with the INCI name ZINC OXIDE and CAS number 1314-13-2. This white fine powder provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation (280–400 nm) through physical reflection and scattering of UV rays, rather than chemical absorption. As a naturally occurring inorganic mineral, Zinc Oxide is renowned for its exceptional safety profile and gentleness, making it the preferred choice for sensitive skin, baby care, and reef-safe sun care products. It is approved for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 25% in China, the EU, the US, and most other major markets. Available in both nano and non-nano forms, with various coating options to improve dispersion and cosmetic elegance, Zinc Oxide offers excellent photostability and does not degrade under UV exposure. Beyond sun protection, it also provides skin-soothing, astringent, and antimicrobial benefits, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare formulations.

Key Benefits
• Broad spectrum protection: Covers both UVA and UVB full spectrum (280–400 nm)
• Physical/mineral sunscreen: Works by reflection, no chemical absorption
• Ultra gentle: Suitable for sensitive skin, babies, and post-procedure skin
• Excellent photostability: Does not degrade under UV exposure
• Reef safe: Does not harm coral reefs, environmentally friendly
• Skin soothing: Calms irritated skin, reduces redness and inflammation
• Antimicrobial: Helps control acne-causing bacteria and skin flora
• Astringent properties: Tightens pores, controls oil secretion
Applications
• Sunscreen lotions and creams: Recommended usage 5%–25%
• Mineral sunscreens and physical sunscreens: Recommended usage 10%–25%
• Baby sun care products: Recommended usage 5%–20%
• Sensitive skin sunscreens: Recommended usage 5%–20%
• BB creams and CC creams: Recommended usage 3%–15%
• Foundations and tinted moisturizers: Recommended usage 2%–10%
• Pressed powders and loose powders: Recommended usage 2%–8%
• Acne treatment products: Recommended usage 1%–5%
• Diaper rash creams and skin protectants: Recommended usage 5%–15%
• Lip balms and lipsticks with SPF: Recommended usage 2%–10%
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Standard Requirement | Test Result | Test Method |
Appearance | White fine powder | Complies | Visual inspection |
Assay (ZnO) | ≥99.0% | 99.7% | Titration / ICP |
pH Value (10% dispersion) | 6.0–8.0 | 7.2 | pH meter |
Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% | 0.12% | Gravimetric |
Loss on Ignition | ≤0.5% | 0.08% | Gravimetric |
Primary Particle Size | 20–50 nm (nano grade) | 30 nm | TEM / BET |
Specific Surface Area | 30–60 m²/g | 45 m²/g | BET method |
Coating Content | 3%–8% (if coated) | 5.2% silica | Gravimetric |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Lead (Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <2 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Cadmium (Cd) | ≤5 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | GB 4789.2 |
Mold & Yeast | ≤10 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | GB 4789.15 |
E. coli | Absent | Absent | GB 4789.3 |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Absent | Absent | GB 4789.4 |
Staphylococcus aureus | Absent | Absent | GB 4789.10 |
Conclusion | Complies with cosmetic grade specifications | ||
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between nano and non-nano Zinc Oxide? Which should I choose?
A: Non-nano Zinc Oxide has particle sizes larger than 100 nm, provides excellent sun protection but can leave a noticeable white cast on the skin. Nano Zinc Oxide has primary particle sizes smaller than 100 nm (typically 20–50 nm), which allows for more transparent, cosmetically elegant formulations with less white cast. Both forms are considered safe for dermal application by the SCCS and other regulatory bodies, as neither significantly penetrates intact skin. The choice depends on your product positioning: non-nano for "natural/mineral" positioning and maximum safety perception, nano for better cosmetic elegance and consumer acceptance. For spray products, non-nano is recommended to avoid inhalation concerns.
Q2: What are the different coating types and why are they important?
A: Zinc oxide particles are often coated to improve dispersion, stability, and cosmetic performance. Common coatings include: silica (improves dispersion and stability), alumina (enhances stability and skin feel), stearic acid (improves oil-phase dispersion and water resistance), triethoxycaprylylsilane (excellent water resistance and skin adhesion, popular in sunscreens), and dimethicone (improves slip and skin feel). Coatings also help prevent zinc ions from interacting with other formulation ingredients, which can cause discoloration or reduced efficacy. The choice of coating depends on your formulation type, desired skin feel, and performance requirements. Always test compatibility with your specific formulation.
Q3: What is the shelf life and are there any storage or stability concerns?
A: Shelf life is 24 months in original sealed packaging. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and acidic fumes. Zinc Oxide is chemically very stable and does not degrade under UV exposure or normal storage conditions. However, it is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air, so proper sealing is important. In formulations, it is generally very stable across a wide pH range and compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. Important compatibility note: Zinc Oxide may interact with Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) to form complexes that reduce UVA protection, so they should be used with caution or properly separated. Always conduct stability testing and SPF/PA efficacy testing in your specific formulation.
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