zinc oxide

noun

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of zinc oxide

: an infusible white solid ZnO used especially as a pigment, in compounding rubber, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (such as ointments and sunblocks)

See zinc oxide defined for kids

Recent Examples of zinc oxide from the Web

The formula protects from UV rays with zinc oxide and octinoxate, and also delivers a boost of hydration to skin from hyaluronic acid.

— kathleen mulpeter, Health.com, "Drew Barrymore Swears By This 'Amazing' Lightweight Sunscreen That Doesn't Cause Breakouts," 4 June 2018
Try to choose a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, rather than chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "What are the best sunscreens for swimming and sports? | Miami Herald," 22 May 2018
In fact, zinc oxide is EWG’s top choice for sun protection.

— fiza pirani, ajc, "Study finds 67 percent of sunscreens don’t actually work — find one that does," 22 May 2018
Among the chemical sunscreen ingredients that wouldn't be affected by the ban are avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate; there are also plenty of mineral sunscreen options that rely on zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

— marci robin, Teen Vogue, "Hawaii State Legislature Passes Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients Bill," 3 May 2018
The non-profit Environmental Working Group, which ranks sunscreen brands based on effectiveness and chemical composition, reports zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are usually most environmentally friendly.

— ashley may, USA TODAY, "Hawaii may ban sunscreen that kills coral reefs. What sunscreen is safe for the environment?," 2 May 2018
Your best bet is to look for a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide, which provides UVA and UVB protection.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "What you need to know about 'hazardous' sunscreen ingredients | Miami Herald," 27 Apr. 2018
The sun protection is no joke either: Broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral protection (thanks to 25 percent zinc oxide) that's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

— melanie rud chadwick, Allure, "Bare Republic Launches Neon Sunscreen Sticks — and Yes, They Are Super Cool," 22 Mar. 2018
All Good Reef-Friendly Sunscreens ($16 and up) All Good’s SPF comes from zinc oxide instead of oxybenzone, which has been shown to damage coral reefs.

— ariella gintzler, Outside Online, "Earth-Friendly Gear You Can Feel Good About Buying," 17 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zinc oxide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.