adminHave you ever noticed a label with the ingredient zinc oxide on a deodorant? If so, you’ve probably wondered whether zinc oxide as deodorant is safe or not, right? Well, to help satisfy your curiosity, the explanation below will help you find the answer.
Understanding Zinc Oxide as Deodorant
Zinc oxide is an organic compound with the chemical formula ZnO. ZnO is a white powdery additive that is insoluble in water. It is commonly used in rubber, plastic, ceramics, glass, cosmetics, cement, paint, lubricants, ointments, glue, pigments, food (as a source of nutritional zinc), ferrite, batteries, flame retardants, and even first aid supplies.
The substance can occur naturally as the mineral zincite, but most zinc oxide is produced synthetically. Additionally, ZnO can form cementitious products when reacted with phosphate bases.
Furthermore, zinc oxide can also react with aluminum and magnesium powders, using chlorinated rubber and flaxseed when heated. This heating can cause fire and explosion hazards.
It can react with hydrogen sulfide to form sulfide itself. This reaction is used commercially to remove H2S using ZnO powder, typically in deodorant products.
Because it contains ZnO-Ag nanocomposites, zinc oxide as deodorant is very safe. Results showed that this active ingredient can inhibit bacterial activity with an inhibition zone of only 23 mm, which is considered strong microbial activity.
Useful for Other Ingredients
Zinc oxide is not only used as a deodorant, but can also be used in baby care products. It is also used to treat various other skin conditions and as a barrier cream for treating diaper rash, calamine cream, anti-dandruff shampoo, and antiseptic ointment.
Zinc oxide as deodorant plays an important role because it helps kill bacteria in the armpits. The product is usually in the form of a deodorant spray. Furthermore, zinc oxide can be used as a skin protectant and can be used as a cream or lotion. This aims to prevent skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
So, Is Zinc Oxide Dangerous?
Zinc oxide is non-toxic and is particularly safe for use in deodorants. However, it can be harmful if inhaled, as the vapors produced when zinc melts and oxidizes at high temperatures.
Therefore, zinc oxide found in cosmetic products, such as deodorants, certainly has inflammatory properties.
According to Jane Houlihan, Chief Researcher at the Environmental Working Group in Washington, the mineral zinc oxide is still very safe when applied to healthy skin. It should be noted that when it is in nanoparticle form, there are still concerns about its potential health risks.
Zinc oxide as deodorant is very safe to use if the ingredients are in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This ingredient can protect underarm skin, eliminate bacteria, and even boost self-confidence.
