Zinc oxide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands

How to use Zinc oxide

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

Helps prevent diaper rash. Protects chafed irritated skin due to diaper rash. Helps protect from wetness that causes diaper rash. Temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation due to diaper rash. Helps treat/heal diaper rash.

How to take it and how often

Change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanser the diaper area, and allow to dry
Push on the bottom to release the product
Heat the product for a few seconds on your hands and apply on baby's bottom
Apply product liberally as often as necessary, with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged
If necessary, after use, wipe off the excess on the tube contour before closing it

While you are taking it

Avoid contact with eyes
If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water

Warnings

Allergens: almond For external use only. When using this product avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Stop use and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or last for more than 7 days. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, call a poison control centre or get edical help right away.

Possible side effects

Stop use and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or last for more than 7 days.

How to store it

Store at temperatures below 90 F (32 C). Keep out of reach of children.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

Remind me to take it Full official label

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2024-10-02.

Brands around the world

Products with Zinc oxide as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

Baby Mantra Diaper CreamZINC OXIDE 10 g/100mL · Ointment · Renu Laboratories, LLC

NDC 76348-825Label

Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Spf 20 Sunscreen 46cTITANIUM DIOXIDE 18 mg/mL, HOMOSALATE 90 mg/mL, ZINC OXIDE 9 mg/mL · Lotion · Rare Beauty, LLC

NDC 82109-117Label

Dolce And Gabbana Everlast Foundation Spf 20 15n Light MediumOCTISALATE 35 mg/mL, OCTOCRYLENE 50 mg/mL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE 5 mg/mL · Emulsion · Dolce & Gabbana Beauty S.R.L

NDC 84003-015Label

Parasol Daily Mineral SunscreenZINC OXIDE 160 mg/g · Cream · Bodi & Wax, LLC

NDC 85373-208Label

Prime Protection Sunscreen Non TintedZINC OXIDE 38 mg/g, TITANIUM DIOXIDE 80 mg/g · Cream · KRISTI REDD ESTHETICS

NDC 85641-202Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACZinc Oxide 15.2% Cream A4-100589 NAFDACItchnil Cream C4-1672 NAFDACPeuraderm Cream A4-100621 NAFDACAnomex Ointment C4-0520 NAFDACCalamine Lotion 04-4727 NAFDACExlotrix Powder_ A4-101355 NAFDACNino Calamine Lotion 04-5568 NAFDACFreshborn Zinc Oxide Cream A4-101261 NAFDACDe-Shalom Calamine Lotion_ B4-1995 NAFDACDen-V Zinc Oxide Adhesive Plaster A3-100902 NAFDACMore-C Zinc Oxide Adhesive Plaster A3-101251 NAFDACUCH-MED Zinc Oxide Adhesive Plaster A3-100656

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Globe Zinc Oxide Ointment USP Zinc Oxide 20% Skin Protectant, Net Wt. 2 oz (56.7 g), Distributed by: Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA 101 NE, Third Avenue, Suite 1500, Ft. Lauderdale, U.S. FDA Class II

31 Oct 2025 · Blossom Pharmaceuticals · OngoingcGMP deviations

Nivagen Pharmaceuticals, Zinc Oxide Ointment USP, Zinc Oxide 20% Skin Protectant, Net Wt. 15 oz (425g), Made in India, Manufactured for: Nivagen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sacramento, U.S. FDA Class II

31 Oct 2025 · Blossom Pharmaceuticals · OngoingcGMP deviations

Nivagen, Zinc Oxide Ointment USP, Zinc Oxide 20 %, Net Wt. 1 oz. (28.4g), Nivagen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sacramento, CA 95827, USA, Made in India, NDC 75834-170-02.U.S. FDA Class II

31 Oct 2025 · Blossom Pharmaceuticals · OngoingcGMP deviations

Nivagen, Zinc Oxide Ointment, Net Wt. 1 oz. (28.4g), Nivagen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sacramento, CA 95827, USA Made in India, NDC 75834-170-01.U.S. FDA Class II

31 Oct 2025 · Blossom Pharmaceuticals · OngoingcGMP deviations

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Zinc oxide

3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · NAFDAC · WHO alerts

Questions about Zinc oxide

What is Zinc oxide used for?

Helps prevent diaper rash. Protects chafed irritated skin due to diaper rash. Helps protect from wetness that causes diaper rash. Temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation due to diaper rash. Helps treat/heal diaper rash. (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Zinc oxide?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: Change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanser the diaper area, and allow to dry. Push on the bottom to release the product. Heat the product for a few seconds on your hands and apply on baby's bottom. Apply product liberally as often as necessary, with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If necessary, after use,…

Do I need a prescription for Zinc oxide?

In many countries Zinc oxide is sold without a prescription in some strengths. Rules differ by country, so ask a pharmacist.

What brands contain Zinc oxide?

Zinc oxide is sold under names such as Lantiseptic Multi-purpose, Manzatin-e, Baza-protect, Flanders, Risamine, Periguard, Rash Relief Antibacterial, Rash Relief Antifungal. Brand names differ between countries.

How can I check that my Zinc oxide is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.