Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a white or yellow-white, loose, amorphous, mineral powder insoluble in water. Zinc oxide (ZnO) occurs in nature as a coarse-grained mineral (zincite). Zinc oxide is easily soluble in diluted acids with salt formation. Zinc oxide is monographed in Ph.Eur.7
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
Zinc oxide is widely used and valued in medical formulations due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro, it is effective against streptococci, staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and dermatophytes (Staubach P 2017).
It is used in shaking mixtures(Lotio zinci, Lotio alba aquosa), zinc oil (Oleum zinci), pastes(Pasta Zinci; Pasta zinci mollis), ointments (Unguentum zinci) and as Zinci gelatina, the zinc paste.
Zinc oxide as a UV filter: Nanoparticulate zinc oxide (particle size between 20 - 60 nm) is transparent in the visible range of the light spectrum and acts as a physical filter against UV-B and especially UV-A radiation. UV rays are absorbed or reflected by the zinc oxide particles. Nanoparticulate zinc oxide is used as a physical light protection in sunscreens. Physical UV filters are mainly used in sunscreens to achieve sun protection factors > 25.
Cosmetics: Zinc oxide is used in cosmetic formulations as a swelling agent and as a UV filter.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Under REACH, the effects of nanoparticulate zinc oxide on human health and the environment will be examined by Germany in 2016 as part of the substance evaluation. They have not been finally clarified.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer