How often have you read the word zinc in an ingredient list and wondered what it could do for your skin? Although I admit that I have often wondered about zinc, I have rarely looked it up until very recently. And now I take it upon myself to introduce you to this wonderful ingredient called Zinc and then we’ll look at some of the Best Zinc Face Wash and Soaps that include it.
Table of Contents
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a nutrient and an element that our body needs to support vital processes. Our body and organs need zinc to support important functions like blood clotting, thyroid function, wound healing, immunity, cell division, and cell growth.
We must consume zinc for our bodies to work optically, as our bodies are unable to produce it. Eczema, rash, hair loss, slower wound healing, and other ailments can be brought on by zinc deficiency.
Oats, spinach, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are a few examples of foods that give our skin the much-needed zinc supply.
People occasionally need more, so they add zinc supplements to their diets. It has been proven that zinc strengthens the immune system, reduces diarrhea, and even improves memory and cognition.
Zinc Face Wash Benefits
What exactly does Zinc do on your ingredient list?
If zinc is so important for the body’s internal activities, then applying it topically should have some benefits right? Let’s have a look at a couple of them.
Heals Acne and Pimples
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is excellent for treating acne and other skin problems, since it inhibits the development of bacteria. Additionally, it has been proven that zinc controls keratinocyte production. It functions as a mild astringent and reduces the likelihood of skin build-up, preventing any breakouts.
Calms Inflammations
It reduces redness and inflammation while improving skin restoration. Eczema, acne, rosacea, irritation, dermatitis, itchy skin, and dry skin are all alleviated.
Reduces Moisture Loss
Zinc reduces transepidermal water loss by improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture and functions as a barrier. Due to this, dry skin benefits even more from it.
Promotes Collagen Production
In addition to supporting the basic structure of the skin, zinc promotes the formation of collagen and elastin. As a result, aging symptoms appear less prominently.
Sun Protection
Zinc oxide (ZnO) shields the skin from UV rays by reflecting UVA and UVB rays from the surface of the skin. It is utilized in a variety of mineral and hybrid sunscreens to offer broad-spectrum protection. While not ideally beneficial in a Zinc Face Wash, Zinc Oxide is great in leave-on lotion and creams. One such popular product is the Lacto Calamine Lotion which has Zinc Oxide.
Types Of Zinc in Skincare
Currently, zinc is available in several forms.
Like zinc sulphate, zinc oxide, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, and many others. Some are present in food, while others are used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Here we’ll talk about a couple of those that are commonly used in skincare
Zinc Oxide
This is a popular variation of the Zinc compound. Zinc Oxide is useful for burns, scars, and inflammation. It retains moisture, making your skin healthier. It regulates sebum production and cures the skin from within.
ZnO also serves as an effective sunscreen filter by reflecting UV rays from the skin’s surface, therefore you may have noticed it as a mineral filter in many sunscreen products.
Zinc Pyrithione
Antifungal lotions and shampoos—i.e., dandruff shampoos—are typically where you’ll find this. As it inhibits the growth of yeast and other microorganisms, it is mostly used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
It soothes dry, flaky, and irritated skin. It will also be effective as a cream/cleanser to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Also works wonders in curing serious skin issues.
Zinc Sulfate
This is one of the most commonly found zinc forms. This contributes to moisturizing and protein synthesis in the epidermis. At times, it’s also employed to stabilize the ascorbic acid form of Vitamin C. Additionally, it aids in the healing of wounds and successfully combats severe skin conditions.
Zinc PCA
Basically, it consists of two parts: zinc and PCA (Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid). NMF, which is a component of PCA, aids in maintaining skin hydration and limiting transepidermal water loss.
It is popular among dermatologists for treating acne and rosacea and is frequently present in face cleansers and anti-dandruff products. It functions as an antibacterial, sebostatic, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, and healing component. It’s nearly the ideal component for sensitive skin care.
Best Zinc Face Wash
The following are some face cleansers featuring zinc as the key ingredient:
1. Minimalist Salicylic Acid+Zinc Face Wash
The Minimalist Salicylic Acid+Zinc Face Wash is a huge hit among acne-prone skin beauties.
Salicylic Acid, which deep cleanses from within the skin due to its small molecules, and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA), which is somewhat larger and makes for a superb surface skin exfoliator, give deep cleaning and anti-acne advantages to the skin.
In addition, zinc is antibacterial and limits the germs that cause acne.
It may not make the best for dry skin due to the drying nature of Salicylic Acid, But it’s the best choice for someone with oily skin types.
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2. Cetaphil Derma Control Foam Face Wash
In addition to glycerine, this Cetaphil Face Wash is made with Zinc Coceth Sulphate and Zinc Gluconate. Glycerine aids in keeping the skin hydrated while zinc has antifungal and antibacterial properties
This cleanser minimizes oil production while maintaining a pH-balanced skin surface, leaving clear, non-irritated skin.
It is a foaming face wash that removes any dryness or irritability on the skin and is as mild as it claims to be. All skin types can use it, however, you should check to see if it works in really hot summers.
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3. Novexpert Clear Skin Foaming Gel
The Novexpert Clear Skin Foaming Gel is a foaming cleanser with the promise of preserving the hydrophilic film, that is the epidermis’s protective outer layer. Because the foaming components are cocoa and sugar, the product is incredibly gentle.
In its formulation, the zinc trio—also known as Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Lactate, and Zinc Phosphate—was used.
Minor skin problems are successfully treated with the zinc trio. It works well on all skin types and is particularly helpful for dry skin.
After application, a cold water rinse is also suggested, as it leaves a toning effect, helps to lessen redness, and constricts pores.
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4. DERMAdoctor Calm Cool Cleanser With Pyrithione Zinc
If you experience irritation, itching, or redness, this cleanser is fantastic. Due to its non-irritating milky liquid, it is ideal for dry skin. It won’t further irritate your skin, because it is hypoallergenic and non-drying. Any bacteria will be kept out as your skin recovers and regenerates its barrier.
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5. Clever Soap 2% Pyrithone Zinc Face Wash
This soap contains 2% Zinc Pyrithone and is intended for facial use. Without leaving skin tight or dry, it thoroughly cleanses. It is perfect for sensitive skin because it is made without harsh cleaning agents like SLS or any irritating fragrance.
While gently removing debris and dead skin cells from the skin, Zinc Pyrithione’s antimicrobial qualities aid in the prevention of blackheads.
This soap is preferred by those whose skin is prone to rosacea, acne, dermatitis, and other dry skin disorders. In addition, this Zinc Face Wash is Sulphate Free and Vegan Friendly. If you are in the UK, this is the Best Zinc Pyrithone Face Wash that’s available there.
6. Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Soap
Noble Soap is a medicated soap for skin problems. Pyrithione Zinc is used in the formulation of Noble soap. It contains several skin-relieving components because it is designed for skin that is prone to eczema. In addition to milled oats, which help protect the skin barrier and cure the skin, it also contains olive oil, a moisturizing ingredient that will help prevent dryness.
Although there is very little lather in this soap, it is still incredibly simple to use. This is a really gentle soap so it may not make the Best Cleanser for Oily Skin.
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7. DermaHarmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc Bar Soap
This DermaHarmony soap is intended to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It’s for the face, yes, but it can also treat dandruff.
It also includes oatmeal to help the skin’s damaged barrier repair. The frequency and severity of fresh acne will be considerably reduced by using this, and the skin will soon clear up.
It will work well for back acne too, reducing further breakouts while relieving the itching. This is a good Zinc Face Wash For Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Although it is fragrance-free and makes a great cleaner, it can be drying, so take note of that.
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8. Vanicream Z Bar
Once more, a 2% zinc pyrithione cleansing bar that claims that it would reduce itchiness, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling brought on by seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. In addition, it controls oil production while relieving the skin of any itchiness. This is one of the Best Zinc Soap For Acne.
The formulation is extremely gentle because it is designed to treat severe skin disorders.
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We hope this discovery was interesting for you. Since zinc is a really potent element, keep an eye out for items that include it. It could make an excellent addition to your stash. But remember not to overdo these cleansers, as most of them are meant to treat serious skin issues.
[As a side note, avoid looking for zinc concentrations, because zinc’s large molecular size prevents it from being absorbed by the skin, making it ineffective to treat any skin conditions on its own. Instead, zinc must be formulated with the proper amino acids to work effectively on the skin.]
Happy zincing, everyone!
Article References
Yee BE, Richards P, Sui JY, Marsch AF. Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther. 2020 Nov;33(6):e14252. doi: 10.1111/dth.14252. Epub 2020 Sep 15. PMID: 32860489.
Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014;2014:709152. doi: 10.1155/2014/709152. Epub 2014 Jul 10. PMID: 25120566; PMCID: PMC4120804.
Sejal Jain is a passionate beauty content creator at TheBeautyInsideout. She believes that skincare is not just a superficial thing but more like an expression of self-love and respect for your body and yourself.