active

Zinc Gluconate

INCI: ZINC GLUCONATE
CAS 4468-02-4 EC 224-736-9
bis(D-Gluconato-O1,O2)zinc
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

bis(D-Gluconato-O1,O2)zinc

Purpose

Function

5-alpha-reductase inhibitor; hair-follicle cycle regulator; anti-seborrheic; antioxidant; scalp micronutrient
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationnone
MoSnot established
NOAEL15 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
hair-follicle-support5ar-inhibitordeficiency-associated-hair-lossscalp-micronutrientcosmetic-classifiedfda_food_additive
Verdict

Zinc gluconate is an essential micronutrient for hair follicle function. It inhibits 5α-reductase (reducing DHT at the follicle), regulates hair follicle keratinocyte proliferation, and supports multiple enzyme systems involved in follicle cycling. Zinc deficiency is associated with alopecia areata and diffuse hair loss; deficiency-driven hair loss responds to zinc repletion. Topical cosmetic zinc gluconate is used in scalp formulations with a GOOD safety profile at cosmetic concentrations.

US Note

Permitted cosmetic active. Zinc salts (gluconate, PCA, sulfate) used in scalp and hair formulations. No OTC drug monograph for hair growth use.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
4468-02-4
EC Number
224-736-9
INCI
ZINC GLUCONATE
Category
active
Updated
Apr 2, 2026