Zinc oxide is a white powder which is insoluble in water. It is used as an additive in numerous materials and products including: cosmetics, food supplements, rubbers, plastics, ceramics, paints, sunscreens, ointments, and fire retardants. Greater than 50% of the zinc oxide used is employed in the rubber industry. It is used in the sulfur vulcanization of rubber where it enhances rubber’s durability.  It can also be used as a pigment in rubber. Zinc oxide in sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide is considered to be non-irritating, and non-allergenic. Netchem is a zinc oxide supplier to the US, Canada, and Mexico.