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Zinc Chloride

What Zinc Chloride is & what it does

Zinc Chloride is a water-soluble inorganic zinc salt used in cosmetic formulas as an astringent and as a source of zinc ions. In skincare it can help with the feel of the product and may act in oral-care and antiperspirant-style formulations. Unlike zinc oxide it is highly soluble in water, so it is not used as a UV filter.

Is Zinc Chloride safe?

Zinc Chloride is used in cosmetics at controlled levels as an astringent and a source of zinc ions and is generally considered safe for that use. In concentrated form it is acidic and can be irritating, so cosmetic formulas use it at low, buffered levels. For specific concerns, consult a qualified professional.

What does Zinc Chloride do in skincare?

It acts mainly as an astringent and supplies zinc ions to a formula, which can affect the feel and finish of a product. Because it is highly soluble in water, it is not used as a UV filter, unlike the insoluble zinc oxide. It is more often seen in oral-care and antiperspirant-style products.

Is Zinc Chloride natural or synthetic?

Zinc Chloride is an inorganic salt that is produced through chemical processing, so it is best described as synthetic or mineral-derived rather than a botanical. It contains no animal-sourced components, so it is generally considered suitable for vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Zinc Chloride

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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