Zinc oxide
ZINC OXIDE
Zinc oxide appears in Annex IV as a positive-list colorant entry for EU cosmetics.
Chemical identity and properties

Zinc Oxide
Crude zinc oxide is a yellow-gray granular solid with no odor. It is insoluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat posed to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Prolonged inhalation of the dust may result in metal fume fever with symptoms of chills, fever, muscular pain, nausea and vomiting. — CAMEO Chemicals
- IUPAC name
- zinc oxygen(2-)
- Molecular formula
- OZn
- Molecular weight
- 81.4 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 79.924056 Da
- Topological polar surface area
- 1.0 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Covalent units
- 2
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Record details
Warnings
Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation.
Colour index or glossary
ZINC OXIDE
Chemical name
Zinc oxide
Chemical / IUPAC name
Zinc oxide
Color
White
Regulatory information
Identified ingredients
Key data
Inventory links for Zinc oxide
Related records for Zinc oxide
Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex IV are shown as well.
BEETROOT RED
CI 77713
ANTHOCYANINS
What Annex IV means for Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is an approved colorant listed in Annex IV of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Only colorants on this positive list may be used to colour cosmetic products on the EU market.
Some colorants in Annex IV are restricted by product type — for example, prohibited from use around the eyes or in products applied to mucous membranes. Check the product type and conditions fields above before use.
This record is linked to 2 CosIng inventory ingredients for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.
Compliance checklist
- Confirm colorant is used only in permitted product types listed above.
- Record the Colour Index number and CAS identifier in the ingredient declaration.
Frequently asked questions
Source note for Annex IV record Zinc oxide
This page summarizes one Annex IV record for Zinc oxide from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.
Use this record page to review Annex IV conditions for Zinc oxide, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.
Tools & next steps
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