Zinc
Zinc is a mineral ingredient widely used in UK skincare and cosmetics for its soothing and protective qualities. It appears in sunscreens, acne treatments, mineral make-up and barrier creams, helping to shield skin from daily environmental stress. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, it is a staple in many high-street and pharmacy beauty products.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, zinc functions primarily as a physical UV filter in the form of zinc oxide, reflecting and scattering harmful rays from the skin’s surface. It also acts as an astringent and skin-conditioning agent, helping to absorb excess oil, calm irritation and support the skin’s natural barrier. Its mild antimicrobial properties make it a popular choice in formulations aimed at blemish-prone or reactive skin without causing dryness or sensitivity.
Key benefits
- Provides broad-spectrum mineral sun protection
- Helps absorb excess sebum and mattify skin
- Soothes and calms redness or irritation
- Strengthens the skin’s protective barrier
- Offers gentle coverage in mineral foundations and concealers
- Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and oiliness
Best for
oily skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, reactive skin, combination skin
Where it comes from
Zinc is a naturally occurring essential mineral mined from the earth, most commonly extracted from ores such as sphalerite. In cosmetics it is typically used as zinc oxide, produced by oxidising purified zinc.