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Zinc (Topical)

Zinc Oxide, Zinc Pyrithione, Zinc Sulfate

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Meta Information

ID:topical-zinc
Name:Zinc
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Zinc Oxide
  • Zinc Pyrithione
  • Zinc Sulfate

Active Compound

Zinc

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
topical_skin
Scope:
  • local

Is Skin Health

True

Regulatory Status

  • us:otc_drug
  • us:cosmetic_ingredient

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Targets skin health, UV protection, and wound healing to support skin integrity and longevity against environmental damage.

Typical Protocol

  • Apply a thin layer of zinc oxide (10-40%) cream or sunscreen to sun-exposed skin daily.
  • Use zinc pyrithione (1-2%) shampoo 2-3 times per week for scalp health.
  • Apply zinc oxide ointment to minor skin irritations or wounds as needed.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
5
High Cost:
25
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Widely available OTC creams, sunscreens, and shampoos; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Topical zinc, primarily as zinc oxide, acts as a physical barrier against UV radiation, a primary driver of skin aging (photoaging). It also possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that aid in wound healing and maintaining the skin barrier. By protecting against UV damage and supporting skin repair, it helps preserve skin structure and function, a key component of healthspan.

Purpose

Protects skin from UV damage and supports wound healing.

Card Summary

A topical mineral that provides broad-spectrum UV protection and supports skin repair, crucial for maintaining skin healthspan.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
4.5
Justification:
Highly effective for preventing photoaging, a key aspect of skin healthspan.

Evidence

Grade:
A
Score:
9
Justification:
Extensive human data confirms efficacy for UV protection and wound healing.

Safety

Score:
1.5
Justification:
Extremely low risk of irritation; negligible systemic absorption from intact skin.

Flags

  • Avoid use on deep or puncture wounds without medical advice.
  • Rarely, may cause minor skin irritation, redness, or itching.
  • Zinc pyrithione is for external use only and should not be ingested.

Verdict

A foundational tool for preserving long-term skin health and preventing photoaging.

Qualifier

route: Topical, scope: local, focused on healthspan

Created

2026-05-14T18:02:27.485125Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)