Zinc Sulfate

Created through the reaction of sulfuric acid and zinc oxide

Said to have preservative and anti-acne properties

Conflicting reports and research surround its ability to help acne-prone skin

Can cause skin sensitization when applied topically

Zinc sulfate is an ingredient used in cosmetics for preservative and alleged anti-acne properties. It’s created through the reaction of sulfuric acid and zinc oxide.

Zinc sulfate can help prolong a product’s shelf life due to its ability to curb the growth of unwanted organisms.

However, zinc sulfate’s ability to help reduce pro-acne environments on skin is much less established. There are conflicting reports and research regarding whether zinc sulfate, applied topically or taken orally, can help acne-prone skin. Furthermore, when applied topically, this ingredient can cause sensitization.

Zinc sulfate has many applications outside of skin care, including in the oral care, supplement, eye care and health industries.

As a raw material, it appears as colorless prisms and needle-like objects or as a granular crystalline powder, all of which must be dissolved in water or another solvent.

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, this ingredient’s most commonly used in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations between 0.0001% and 1.0%.

Overall, there are many other ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide, that are proven by years of research to help acne-prone skin.

See: Sulfuric Acid, Zinc Oxide