Zinc Oxide Supplier South Africa

What Is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic mineral UV filter and multifunctional ingredient used across sunscreens, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber manufacturing, and industrial applications. As a UV filter, zinc oxide provides the broadest UV coverage of all approved mineral sunscreens — it scatters and absorbs UV radiation across the full UVB and UVA spectrum (290–400 nm), including UVA I (340–400 nm) where titanium dioxide has reduced efficacy and where organic UVA filters like avobenzone are required for adequate protection in organic sunscreen systems. This makes zinc oxide the most complete single-ingredient mineral UV filter available.

Sunscreen and Sensitive-Skin Formulations

Zinc oxide is particularly valued in sunscreens for sensitive skin, baby formulations, and natural or “mineral-only” sunscreen products because of its wide UV coverage, excellent safety profile, and long history of dermatological use. It is approved for use in sunscreens globally and is one of only two active ingredients (alongside titanium dioxide) recognised as both safe and effective (GRASE) by the US FDA for OTC sunscreen use. Microfine (nano and sub-micron) grades reduce the white cast on skin that full pigment-grade ZnO produces. Surface treatments — dimethicone coating for water-resistance and oil dispersibility, or hydrophilic coatings for aqueous emulsion systems — are selected based on formulation system.

Pharmaceutical and Industrial Uses

In pharmaceutical topicals, zinc oxide is the active ingredient in calamine lotion, zinc cream, barrier creams, and diaper rash preparations — where its mild astringent, antiseptic, and skin-protecting properties are exploited. In rubber manufacturing, it is an essential activator for the sulphur vulcanisation process. In ceramics, glass, paints, and chemical synthesis it serves multiple functional roles. Terracore Chemicals supplies zinc oxide in cosmetic, pharma, and industrial grades.