Is Zinc Oxide Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 1/5 — Very unlikely to clog
Zinc Oxide is a UV filter that protects skin from sun damage. In cosmetics it is typically found in sunscreens, tinted moisturizers and daily SPF products.
| Comedogenic rating | 1/5 — Very unlikely to clog |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Sunscreen filter |
Is Zinc Oxide comedogenic?
Zinc Oxide scores a low 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores for the vast majority of people. It is generally considered a safe, low-risk choice even for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Does Zinc Oxide cause fungal acne?
Zinc Oxide is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Zinc Oxide if you're acne-prone?
Zinc Oxide is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Zinc Oxide compares to other sunscreen filters
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc Oxide | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Titanium Dioxide | 1/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Zinc Oxide comedogenic?
Zinc Oxide scores a low 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores for the vast majority of people. It is generally considered a safe, low-risk choice even for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Does Zinc Oxide cause fungal acne?
Zinc Oxide is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Zinc Oxide safe for acne-prone skin?
Zinc Oxide is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Zinc Oxide found in?
Zinc Oxide is a UV filter that protects skin from sun damage, and is commonly found in sunscreens, tinted moisturizers and daily SPF products.
What can I use instead of Zinc Oxide?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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