Question 1

What does Active: Zinc Oxide 17.46% Inactive: Water do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a mineral UV filter that helps protect skin by reflecting, scattering, and absorbing UVA and UVB radiation. At 17.46%, it is being used as the active sunscreen component in a water-based formula.

Question 2

Is Active: Zinc Oxide 17.46% Inactive: Water clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-beauty perspective, it is broadly accepted because it is well-tolerated on skin and not linked to fragrance allergens or common preservative concerns. Friction usually centers on particle size, coatings, inhalation exposure in sprays or powders, and visible whitening on skin.

Question 3

Is Active: Zinc Oxide 17.46% Inactive: Water sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is mineral-derived, so sourcing depends on mining and refining rather than renewable agriculture. It is inorganic and does not biodegrade, but it is not a silicone or persistent organic pollutant, with environmental questions focused mainly on nanoparticle form and aquatic exposure.

Question 4

Is Active: Zinc Oxide 17.46% Inactive: Water COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when it meets the standard’s criteria for inorganic UV filters, including any particle-size and coating requirements. Its Green Chemistry profile is mixed, with good skin compatibility and high functional efficiency, but nonrenewable sourcing and no biodegradation pathway.

Question 5

How does Active: Zinc Oxide 17.46% Inactive: Water work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is an inorganic lattice of divalent metal cations and oxide anions, used as a dispersed solid rather than a dissolved molecule. Sunscreen formulas commonly use high single-digit to low-20% active levels, and performance depends strongly on particle size, dispersion quality, surface coating, and even film formation.