Zinc Oxide: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Zinc Oxide (CI 77947) is a mineral UV filter covering UVA + UVB. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 25%). In the United States it is an approved OTC sunscreen active ingredient (up to 25%). In the EU it is allowed (up to 25%).
| INCI name | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | CI 77947 |
| Name on Korean labels | 징크옥사이드 |
| CAS number | 1314-13-2 |
| Protects against | UVA + UVB |
Where Zinc Oxide is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 25% | |
| United States | ✓ up to 25% | |
| European Union | ✓ up to 25% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 25% - In case of combined use of zinc oxide and zinc oxide (nano), the sum shall not exceed the limit of 25% · Wording of conditions of use and warnings : Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation. · Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 25% - In case of combined use of zinc oxide and zinc oxide (nano), the sum shall not exceed the limit of 25% · Wording of conditions of use and warnings : Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation. Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: — purity ≥ 96 %, with |
| Japan | ✓ no cap | Japan's UV-absorber positive list covers organic filters; mineral filters like zinc oxide are not capped there. |
| China | ✓ up to 25% | |
| Canada | ✓ up to 25% | Maximum Concentration Permitted : ≤ 25% |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 25% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 25% |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 25%* | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 25% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 25% |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 25% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 25% |
✓ = allowed as a UV filter, with the maximum concentration in the finished product. * = the limit depends on product type (see the filter page). ✗ = banned. — = no entry in the official list compiled by Korea's MFDS (for the US this means it is not an approved sunscreen active; for other regions, check the regulator's own list).
Source: Korea MFDS "Cosmetic ingredients with use restrictions" (international regulations compiled by MFDS, data.go.kr), refreshed weekly; US changes checked against FDA orders (October 2026). Regulations change — confirm with the regulator before formulating or importing.
Checking a Korean sunscreen
Korean ingredient lists use the Korean name above (징크옥사이드). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.