Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Zinc oxide, as an active ingredient in sunscreen, is used to protect against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, offering broad-spectrum coverage and environmental defense that’s free of harsh chemicals. Whereas chemical formulas (and their toxic ingredients) absorb into skin and filter UV light, zinc acts as a physical barrier and works by creating a shield on the skin’s surface.

Zinc oxide, a naturally occurring mineral, has reflective properties that can scatter and refract the sun’s UV light—in addition to infrared (IR) light, blue light, and free radicals in polluted air—when applied to the face and body. The tiny particles within the mineral compound form a barrier and act like a mirror that reflects environmental aggressors away from the skin to prevent cellular damage and premature aging.

This mineral has a number of fantastic skin benefits, which is why you might see it included in soothing skincare products such as baby powder. Forgot to apply SPF and look a little red? Zinc oxide powder sunscreen may be effective at healing wounds and reducing the tenderness you feel after getting a sunburn—so wear it inside, outside, and around the clock to reap its full effect!

Colorescience has several options when it comes to zinc oxide sunscreen, ensuring you can find the right formula for your skin type and its needs.

• Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-on SPF 50: Our most popular product applies using an attached, self-dispensing brush that makes implementing daily SPF protection an effortless part of your morning routine. The mineral powder can be worn alone or over makeup, so throw this pocket-sized skin protector in your bag to easily reapply on-the-go.
• Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50: For those who prefer a liquid formula, this zinc oxide sunscreen formulas blends weightlessly into all skin tones for natural UVA and UVB protection, with added defense against blue and infrared light. Find your perfect match and choose between three shades: original, glow, and bronze.
• Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Body Shield SPF 50: Don’t forget the importance of full body protection when combating the damaging effects of the sun. We offer zinc SPF in two shades—original and bronze—that can be safely applied to the entire body without fear of toxins.
• Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Sport Stick SPF 50: You can also opt for rich mineral protection in our new stick format. It’s the perfect, family-safe companion for all your outdoor activities and the hassle-free application makes it easier than ever to defend against sun exposure.
• Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Color Balm SPF 50: The skin on your lips is very thin and needs additional defense, so nourish and shield your pout with our powerful lip formula. Specially selected ingredients protect against harmful aggressors while offering buildable color for a custom look.

Zinc sunscreen is better than chemical formulas because it does not penetrate the skin barrier. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, works by converting the UV rays absorbed by the skin into heat and then releasing the heat from the body. This is problematic for a few reasons:

1. Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet light forming free radicals within skin cells that impair the functionality and structure of the tissue. Collagen breaks down, elastin production decreases, skin begins to sag, and wrinkles begin to form. Sun-induced hyperpigmentation can lead to dark spots and in some cases, the development of cancerous cells.
   
   Repeated sun exposure leads to cumulative damage over time, but chemical formulas can also worsen skin conditions overnight. They tend to be sticky or greasy, and because they absorb into skin, they can frequently clog pores. Zinc face sunscreen, on the other hand, never penetrates pores and does not cause breakouts, making it the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin.


2. The chemical reaction that occurs when UV light is filtered generates heat and commonly triggers skin irritation among many users. If you have a heat sensitivity, you may experience this reaction in the form of a rash, redness, blotchiness, hives, itching, or burning. Zinc sunscreen offers a gentler SPF solution with an organic, natural formula that will never cause flare-ups its chemical counterparts are known for. It’s so kind on sensitive skin, in fact, that zinc SPF is safe to use on babies—but always talk to your doctor before introducing your child to new mineral compounds.


3. The ingredients added to chemical sunscreen formulas to filter UV light can be incredibly harsh, trigger allergic reactions, and release toxins in the body that can harm our overall health. Oxybenzone, for example, is one of the most common chemical filters you’d encounter on the backs of SPF labels, but it’s been shown to readily absorb into skin, enter into the bloodstream, disrupt the endocrine system, impair hormone function, promote the growth of cancerous breast tissue, and many more eyebrow-raising concerns.
   
   What’s more, oxybenzone tests present in breast milk—meaning it can be passed along to nursing children—as well as urine samples. When rinsed off skin in the ocean, the chemical is extremely harmful to underwater ecosystems; just one drop of oxybenzone in an Olympic-sized pool is enough to kill coral reef! That’s why leaders like Hawaii and the Virgin Islands have passed legislation that bans these products outright and mandates sunscreen without oxybenzone such as zinc.


4. Finally, the best zinc sunscreen for face and body is made with only the purest, most wholesome ingredients. At Colorescience, we add antioxidants to our mineral SPF that help correct damage caused by free radicals. Rich doses of nutrients keep skin hydrated and healthy, whereas the artificial scent and alcohol preservatives found in chemical brands tend to aggravate and dehydrate complexions.

Shop smarter with Colorescience non-toxic sunscreen, always guaranteed to be free of PABA, parabens, and animal cruelty. When you read Colorescience product formulas, you will never find any red flags—only the purest, high-quality ingredients. Our non-toxic sunscreen allows you to safely preserve skin vitality while protecting your health and environment, too.

Zinc sunscreen sometimes appears thick and chalky—but not at Colorescience. We’ve created an all-mineral formula with much smaller zinc oxide particles, resulting in a protective cover that provides an essential amount of SPF and environmental protection. We added a natural tint to our product so that harmoniously blends in with your skin tone and minimizes imperfections.

You can find zinc oxide sunscreen added to products across our entire skincare line, from treatments to makeup enhancers, so browse the collection to naturally bring out your best, most beautiful complexion!

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.