Zinc Oxide
Pronunciation: (zingk OX-ide).
- Generic name
- zinc oxide
- Brand names
- Penaten, Metanium, Ego Zinc Cream, Desitin, Zinco, A+D Zinc Oxide Cream
- Drug class
- Topical skin protectant, Mild astringent
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What zinc oxide is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how zinc oxide works
Zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier on the skin, providing protection against irritants and moisture. It has mild astringent and antiseptic properties, which help reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth. The compound reflects and scatters ultraviolet radiation, making it useful in sunscreens as well. (1)
What zinc oxide is used for
Diaper rash
Diaper rash (1)
Minor skin irritations
Minor skin irritations (1)
Sunburn prevention
Sunburn prevention (1)
Chafing
Chafing (1)
Minor cuts and scrapes
Minor cuts and scrapes (1)
Before taking zinc oxide
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to zinc oxide or any component of the formulation. (Contraindication) (1)
- Avoid use on large, open wounds or severely damaged skin unless under medical supervision. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take zinc oxide
- General Instructions: Apply a thin layer to the affected area as needed, usually several times daily or after each diaper change for infants.. Adult Dosing: Apply to clean, dry skin 1-3 times daily or as directed by a healthcare provider.. Pediatric Dosing: For diaper rash, apply at every diaper change to clean, dry skin. For other uses, follow your pediatrician's instructions.. Administration: For external use only. Wash hands before and after application. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.. When To Seek Review: Contact a healthcare provider promptly if irritation, rash, or allergic reaction develops, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days; they will advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you forget to apply a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next application, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance on the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Zinc oxide overdose from topical use is rare. If large amounts are accidentally ingested, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of ingestion may include stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Skin irritation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Redness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Itching
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stinging
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dryness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reaction (rare)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
For external use only — serious
Symptoms: For external use only. If irritation or an allergic reaction occurs, contact a healthcare provider promptly and let them advise on whether to continue or stop use. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 7 days. Not for use on large areas of broken skin unless directed by a doctor. Keep out of reach of children.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to zinc oxide or any component of the formulation. Use caution in patients with a history of contact dermatitis or skin allergies. Avoid use on large, open wounds or severely damaged skin unless under medical supervision.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Zinc oxide is not known to have significant drug interactions when used topically. However, avoid using other topical medications or skin products on the same area unless directed by a healthcare provider, as this may affect absorption or efficacy. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Topical zinc oxide skin-protectant products are generally considered safe for external use during pregnancy given minimal systemic absorption; the OTC label does not provide specific pregnancy dosing restrictions, but as with any product, discuss use over large areas or broken skin with a prescriber. (1)
Breastfeeding
Topical zinc oxide skin-protectant products are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding for external use (e.g., on the caregiver's or infant's skin), given minimal systemic absorption; avoid applying near/on the nipple area without washing before nursing unless the product is specifically labeled safe for that use. (1)
Children
Frequency: Apply as needed, typically 1-3 times daily.. Weight Based: Not established; apply a thin layer as needed.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable as it is a topical agent.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable as it is a topical agent.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children under 2 years of age. (1)
Renal_impairment
Topical zinc oxide is an external-use-only OTC skin protectant with minimal to no systemic absorption under labeled use; the Drug Facts labeling gives no renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance, since organ-based dose adjustment is not applicable to a topical barrier product used as directed. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
Topical zinc oxide is an external-use-only OTC skin protectant with minimal to no systemic absorption under labeled use; the Drug Facts labeling gives no renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance, since organ-based dose adjustment is not applicable to a topical barrier product used as directed. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at 15-30°C (59-86°F) per the OTC Drug Facts label. Keep out of reach of children; for external use only.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Diaper rash
Dose summary: Apply a thin layer to the affected area as needed.
Renal context: The FDA OTC Drug Facts labeling for topical zinc oxide products (skin protectant ointment) gives no renal-impairment dosing adjustment. Zinc oxide is applied externally to the skin for conditions like diaper rash and minor skin irritation; systemic absorption is minimal to none with normal use, so the label does not direct any renal-based dose change. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is zinc oxide used for?
Zinc oxide is used to treat and prevent diaper rash, minor skin irritations, burns, cuts, and scrapes. It acts as a protective barrier and helps soothe and heal the skin.
Is zinc oxide safe for babies?
Yes, zinc oxide is commonly used in diaper rash creams and is considered safe for infants when used as directed.
Can I use zinc oxide on open wounds?
Do not use zinc oxide on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns unless directed by a healthcare provider.
What should I do if I accidentally get zinc oxide in my eyes?
Rinse your eyes thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
How often can I apply zinc oxide?
Apply as needed, usually 1-3 times daily or after each diaper change for infants. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Can zinc oxide cause allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Seek medical attention promptly if you develop rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.
Does zinc oxide interact with other medications?
Topical zinc oxide is not known to interact with other medications. However, avoid using multiple topical products on the same area unless advised by your doctor.
What happens if I take too much Zinc oxide?
As Zinc oxide is a topical medication, systemic overdose from skin application is highly unlikely. However, if ingested in large quantities, symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In such rare cases, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Always use Zinc oxide as directed by your healthcare provider or product instructions.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Zinc oxide?
Since Zinc oxide is a topical skin protectant and not absorbed systemically in significant amounts, there are generally no known interactions between its use and alcohol consumption. Alcohol does not typically interfere with the local action of Zinc oxide on the skin. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about alcohol consumption with any medication.
Is Zinc oxide safe during pregnancy?
Zinc oxide's pregnancy category is generally considered safe for topical use, but it is always recommended to consult your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can assess your individual situation, discuss potential risks and benefits, and provide personalized advice to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Adhere to their guidance for appropriate use.
What is the mechanism of action of zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier on the skin, providing protection against irritants and moisture. It has mild astringent and antiseptic properties, which help reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth. The compound reflects and scatters ultraviolet radiation, making it useful in sunscreens as well. (1)
What is the generic name of Zinc Oxide?
The generic name is zinc oxide. It is sold under brand names including Penaten, Metanium, Ego Zinc Cream, Desitin, Zinco, A+D Zinc Oxide Cream.
What class of drug is zinc oxide?
Zinc Oxide is classed as: Topical skin protectant, Mild astringent.
References
- Zinc Oxide — Prescribing InformationMedGuideGlobal · United States · accessed 2026-08-03 · source 1
- Zinc oxide ointment (PROCURE 20%), FDA OTC Drug Facts labelU.S. Food and Drug Administration (via DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- HEADHUNTER SURF SCREEN SPF 50 SUNSCREEN (ZINC OXIDE,TITANIUM DIOXIDE) CREAM [GUANGZHOU TATA BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Attitude Diaper Cream Zinc Unscented — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M016)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- zinc oxide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 11423)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient zinc oxide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Diaper Rash11.55 g/50mL, 400 mg/g, .4 g/g, 130 mg/g, 40 g00g, 15 g00g, 8 g00g · sbs bilimsel bio cozumler sanayi ve ticaret anonim sirketi pinar subesi
- Tinted Mineral Sunscreen200 mg/g, 160 mg/g · micro fibro blast
- Tinted Replenishing Daily Protection160 mg/g · mantra wellness spa
- Mineral Sunscreen15 g00mL, 200 mg/g, 19.6 g00mL, 20 g00g, 12.025 g00mL, 160 mg/g · alaina healthcare private limited
- Non Tinted Mineral Sunscreen160 mg/g, 200 mg/g · wecare frisco pllc
- Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30200 mg/g, 22 g00g, 20 g00mL, 12 g00mL · hello bello
- calamine160 mg/mL · pharma nobis, llc
- Replenishing Daily Protection Tinted160 mg/g · my favorite place spa llc
- SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick200 mg/g · australian gold
- Baby Diaper Rash400 mg/g, 25 g00g, 130 mg/g · hello bello