Zinc oxide

Absorption

No significant percutaneous absorption from topically applied zinc oxide.

Toxicity

Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 7950 mg/kg [Mouse].

Description

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a common inorganic compound with a large number of uses. It is insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids and bases. Its melting point is extremely high—1975 oC, where it also decomposes.
ZnO exists in two common crystalline forms: wurtzite and zincblende. The zincblende structure is shown here, but wurtzite is more stable under ambient conditions.
ZnO occurs in the mineral zincite, but most of the commercial product is made by the high-temperature oxidation of metallic zinc or zinc ores. It is used extensively in diverse industries such as rubber, ceramics, medicine, food, pigments, and coatings. It absorbs ultraviolet light and is probably an ingredient in the sunscreen you used this past summer.

The Uses of Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide is added to paints as a pigment and mold inhibitor and is known as zinc white when it is used as an oil paint by artists. It is used for cosmetics (ointment to protect nose and lips from ultraviolet sunlight), as a seed treatment, and as a dietary supplement.

What are the applications of Application

Zinc oxide is a novel chiral framework material

Background

Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound used in a number of manufacturing processes. It can be found in rubbers, plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, lubricants, paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants, pigments, foods, batteries, ferrites, fire retardants, and first-aid tapes. It occurs naturally as the mineral zincite, but most zinc oxide is produced synthetically. It is also widely used to treat a variety of other skin conditions, in products such as baby powder and barrier creams to treat diaper rashes, calamine cream, anti-dandruff shampoos, and antiseptic ointments.

Indications

For adjunctive treatment of diaper dermatitis. Also, it can be used to treat minor skin irritations (eg, cuts, burns, and scrapes, poison ivy). Zinc oxide can be used in ointments, creams, and lotions to protect against sunburn and other damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet light.

Pharmacokinetics

Zinc oxide has astringent, soothing and protective properties and is used in topical preparations for eczema, slight excoriations, wounds and haemorrhoids. It also reflects ultraviolet radiation and can be used as a physical sunscreen.

Metabolism

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.