Zinc oxide is a compound formed from a combination of one
molecule of the mineral zinc and one molecule of oxygen. Zinc is
one of the most abundant elements on the Earth and is a silver-
colored metal with a medium luster. When the metal combines with
oxygen, it forms a white powder that slightly resembles flour or
baking soda. For use in skin care and cosmetics products, zinc
oxide can be produced through several methods. One way, called
the French or direct process, involves heating pure zinc metal
at extremely high temperatures until it forms a vapor and mixes
with the air. Then, the air is cooled, and the zinc oxide is
captured in a special bag. This produces a potent, high quality
form of the ingredient. The same method can be used with zinc
that has already combined with other elements. Known as the
indirect or American process, this technique results in a
finished product that is of lower potency. In laboratory
settings, zinc oxide can be produced by combining different
chemicals with solutions that con