Zinc Oxide
The gentle mineral sunscreen filter — broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection.
INCI name: Zinc Oxide
What it is
Zinc oxide is one of two mineral (physical) UV filters. It sits on top of skin and reflects/scatters UV, and it covers both UVA and UVB — true broad-spectrum in a single ingredient.
What it helps with
- Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
- Generally gentle on reactive, sensitive skin and stinging-prone eyes
- Works the moment it is applied
Good for
- Sensitive skin
- Eyes that sting with chemical SPF
- Post-procedure or barrier-stressed periods (ask your derm)
- Kids' formulas (commonly)
Pairs well with
- Titanium dioxide (the other mineral filter)
- Moisturizer underneath
- Reapplication every ~2 hours
Watch out
White cast is the classic trade-off, especially on deeper skin tones — modern K-beauty formulas minimize it but check reviews for your tone. Reapplication still applies to mineral SPF.
FAQ
Q. Is zinc oxide sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
Neither is "better" — both types pass safety standards. Zinc is often the pick for sensitive skin and stinging eyes; chemical filters usually win on texture and no white cast. Pick what you will actually wear and reapply.
Q. Do I need to reapply mineral sunscreen?
Yes — roughly every 2 hours of sun exposure, same as any sunscreen. Mineral formulas can hold up slightly better in water, but "water resistant" still wears off.
Sources
The honest note: ingredients help — they don't treat medical conditions. For persistent skin issues, a board-certified dermatologist beats any product swap.
Guides featuring Zinc Oxide
More ingredients
- Niacinamide — Vitamin B3 — helps with brightening, oil balance, and a stronger skin barrier.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica) — The calming herb behind K-beauty "cica" creams — helps soothe stressed, reactive skin.
- Snail Mucin — K-beauty's famous glow ingredient — helps hydrate and support recovering skin.
- Panthenol — Pro-vitamin B5 — the quiet workhorse that helps soothe and hydrate almost any skin.