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Ingredient deep-dive

Zinc Oxide: Is It a Microplastic?

Not a microplasticCleared / not a microplastic

Not a microplastic. A mineral UV filter and the active in mineral sunscreen. Choosing a mineral sunscreen is a straightforward way to avoid the plastic film-formers that chemical sunscreens often rely on for water resistance.

Where it appears

  • Mineral sunscreen
  • Nappy cream
  • Calamine products
  • Mineral makeup

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Approved UV filter; nano forms require labelling.

United States

FDA-approved sunscreen active, generally recognised as safe and effective.

Cleaner alternatives

  • No swap needed

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Zinc Oxide, common questions

Is Zinc Oxide a microplastic?

Borderline. Not a microplastic. A mineral UV filter and the active in mineral sunscreen. Choosing a mineral sunscreen is a straightforward way to avoid the plastic film-formers that chemical sunscreens often rely on for water resistance.

Is Zinc Oxide banned?

EU: Approved UV filter; nano forms require labelling. US: FDA-approved sunscreen active, generally recognised as safe and effective.

What can I use instead of Zinc Oxide?

Cleaner alternatives include: No swap needed.

What products contain Zinc Oxide?

Commonly found in: Mineral sunscreen; Nappy cream; Calamine products; Mineral makeup.

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