By Pavan Kaushik
Zinc is used in countless number of items in some form or another. Another benefit of Zinc is its usage in Soaps. Zinc helps treat various skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, fungus etc.
Use in Bathing Soaps
Zinc in the form of Zinc Pyrithione is majorly used in bathing soaps due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties along with its ability to cure skin diseases like seborrheic dermatitis (skin disorder that affects face, scalp, and torso). Most notably, it has a suppressing effect on Malassezia fungus (commonly considered the main culprit in various skin diseases).
Medical Applications
Its other medical applications include treatments of psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, fungus, athlete’s foot, dry skin, sensitive skin, atopic dermatitis, rashes, tinea, and vitiligo. It also helps fight many pathogens from the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus genera.
Use in Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Along with soaps, Zinc Pyrithione is best known for its use in treating dandruff, making its use imperative in anti-dandruff shampoos. The American shampoo brand ‘Head & Shoulders’ actively uses and promotes Zinc Pyrithione as its major ingredient, introduced in the year 1961.
Other Applications
Cosmetics alone are not the only applications for Zinc Pyrithione. Due to its low solubility in water (8 ppm at neutral pH) and ability to protect against mildew and algae, Zinc Pyrithione is used in outdoor paints and proves to be an effective algaecide. Zinc Pyrithione also slows down the process of decomposition caused by ultraviolet light, thus providing years of protection even against direct sunlight. Zinc Pyrithione is also used as an antibacterial treatment for household sponges.
Hindustan Zinc is India’s only and world’s leading Zinc-Lead-Silver Producer.
About the author
Pavan Kaushik heads Corporate Communications at Hindustan Zinc
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