Zinc Oxide (CAS 1314-13-2) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
neutral

Zinc Oxide

CAS 1314-13-2

Origin
mineral
Note
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Mar 2026

What Is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is a white, powdery mineral commonly found in sunscreens, cosmetics, and ointments. It provides UV protection and skin-soothing properties. This versatile ingredient matters because it’s non-irritating for sensitive skin and offers broad-spectrum sun protection without chemical absorbers.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)
✓ Non-comedogenic
CAS
1314-13-2
Formula
OZn
MW
81.4
Odor Family
neutral
Zinc Oxide 2D structure
Zinc Oxide
OZn
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Zinc Oxide Smell Like?

Zinc oxide is odorless in pure form, presenting as a neutral mineral base. Its sensory impact comes from texture rather than aroma – a fine, dry powder that feels slightly cool to the touch. In formulations, it serves as a blank canvas that doesn’t interfere with fragrance profiles.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Solar Bloom(Clean Beauty Collective, 2020)

Used as a UV-stabilizing carrier for citrus top notes in this sunscreen-perfume hybrid.

Mineral Mist(Aesop, 2018)

Provides opacity and skin-adherence for their mineral-based body spray formulation.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Zinc oxide

SMILES: [O--].[Zn++]

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic compound with a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. It’s amphoteric, dissolving in both strong acids and bases. Industrially produced via French process (zinc vapor oxidation) or wet chemical methods. Nanoparticulate forms (<100nm) exhibit unique UV-absorbing properties due to quantum confinement effects.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular Weight81.4 g/mol
Melting Point1975 °C (decomposes)
Density5.6 g/cm³

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
None
Blending
Neutral carrier
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Sunscreen5-25%Up to 25%Physical UV blocker
Makeup2-10%Up to 15%Opacity agent

Classic Accords

+ Titanium Dioxide = Mineral UV filter + Shea Butter = Protective balm

Tip: Use micronized grades for transparent sunscreens; larger particles for opacity in makeup.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Titanium Dioxide CAS 13463-67-7

Another mineral UV filter with higher refractive index, better for bright white pigmentation.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions – classified as non-fragrance ingredient

RIFM Assessment

Not evaluated by RIFM as it’s not a fragrance material.

Sustainability

Zinc oxide is mined from zincite or synthesized from zinc metal, with energy-intensive production. Nanoforms require careful wastewater management. However, it’s more eco-friendly than chemical UV filters as it doesn’t harm coral reefs and is readily recycled from industrial byproducts.

Explore Zinc Oxide

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Zinc Oxide CID 14806
  2. FDA Sunscreen Monograph FDA 2021

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 1314-13-2

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight81.4 g/mol🔬 PubChem
Vapor Pressure0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
SMILES[O-2].[Zn+2]🔬 PubChem
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID7035016

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 81.38 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 5.618 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 1715.481 °C🔬 EPA CTX

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) -0.121 dimensionless💻 Computed
Water Solubility 1.727 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg🔬 PubChem

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 28.5 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 0 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 0.69 cm^3/mol💻 Computed

Data Sources:

🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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