Calamine

Calamine is a finely milled mineral blend of zinc oxide and ferric oxide that yields a characteristic soft pink powder. It's used for gentle absorbency, a mattifying finish, and a subtle tint in skincare, masks, and complexion products.
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Snapshot

Overview
A mineral powder that soothes irritation and controls shine.
Category
Soothing, Oil Control
Type
Mineral

Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Not typically evaluated for comedogenicity — no standardized rating available.

Is Calamine a Good Ingredient?

It combines oil-absorbing, mattifying properties with a calming effect from zinc compounds, which is helpful for shine and the appearance of irritation and earns a Good rating, though strong modern clinical data are limited.

Skin Benefits

Soothes discomfort on irritated or reactive areas while helping reduce visible surface shine, and provides a soft blurring effect that can make uneven areas look calmer.

Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in spot treatments, drying lotions, and masks to manage oily zones, and also appears in tinted primers and setting powders for a soft-focus, shine-reducing finish.

Safety

Usually low irritation, but its absorbency can be drying and may accentuate flaking with frequent use. Stop use if persistent tightness or irritation develops.