Zinc oxide is an active ingredient in several different non-prescription products (such as
Desitin®,
Balmex®, and
Boudreaux's Butt Paste®), as well as one prescription
diaper rash ointment (
Vusion® ointment). It is most often found in creams, ointments, or pastes and is typically used to treat or prevent minor skin irritations, such as poison ivy or diaper rash. It is also used in some types of sunscreens. It can also be used as a source of zinc for food fortification or nutritional supplementation.
Zinc oxide also has several non-medicinal uses, such as a pigment for paints or in light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Zinc oxide is a chemical compound. Its chemical symbol is ZnO. A molecule of zinc oxide consists of one zinc atom bound to one oxygen atom. It is very opaque and can reflect and scatter light, which is why it is useful in a sunblock. When applied to the skin, it helps to protect the skin from outside irritants and may also serve as a mild astringent (helping to dry oozing of minor irritation) and a weak antiseptic.
When used as a nutritional supplement or food additive, zinc oxide is used to supply zinc to the body. Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost all cells of the human body.
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