Glossary
Water-soluble acids found in nature or synthesized in a laboratory. The most common AHAs used in the cosmetics industry are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. AHAs work on skin's surface to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother + softer skin. Over time, they also support healthy collagen production to minimize the appearance of fine lines.
AHAs can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun and to the possibility of sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using products with AHAs and for a week after ceasing usage.
Substances that neutralize free radicals before they can damage skin cells and structural proteins. Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and environmental stress. Left unchecked, they accelerate collagen degradation, disrupt cellular signaling, and contribute to uneven skin tone and visible signs of premature aging.
The skin has its own antioxidant defense systems, but these are routinely overwhelmed by the intensity and frequency of modern environmental exposure. Topically applied antioxidants help compensate for this deficit. Common antioxidants in skincare include vitamins C and E, vitamin A (retinol), niacinamide, and a range of plant-derived compounds.
ZO's ZOX12® complex encapsulates vitamins A, C, and E in a time-release system that delivers up to 12 continuous hours of free radical protection, including protection against infrared-A (IR-A) rays – a spectrum of damaging radiation that standard sunscreen does not address.
The pure acid form of vitamin C and one of the most extensively studied topical antioxidants in dermatology. Ascorbic acid serves two clinically distinct functions in the skin. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental pollution, reducing oxidative damage to skin cells and structural proteins including collagen. As a brightening agent, it interrupts the melanin synthesis pathway by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, visibly reducing the appearance of dark spots and supporting a more even skin tone over time.
Ascorbic acid is inherently unstable and oxidizes rapidly when exposed to light, air, or heat. Formulation quality is the defining variable in efficacy: properly stabilized, encapsulated, or pH-adjusted vitamin C preparations maintain their potency and penetrate the skin more effectively than those in basic aqueous solutions. Concentration, pH, and delivery architecture are the factors that separate clinically meaningful vitamin C formulations from those with limited functional effect.
Sourced from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (also known as the babchi or babuchi plant), which has been widely used in Indian and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases. It is a natural antioxidant and skin soother that amplifies brightening while improving skin’s resiliency against discoloration aggressors.
Also known as salicylic acid. Unlike AHAs, which are water-soluble and act primarily at the skin's surface, BHAs are oil-soluble, enabling them to penetrate through the sebum inside a pore rather than working only at the outermost layer. This makes BHAs particularly effective for blemish-prone and oily skin types, where they help dissolve accumulated sebum, exfoliate within the pore lining, and reduce the appearance of congestion, blackheads, and post-blemish marks. BHAs also have documented anti-inflammatory properties at the skin surface.
A sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Chemical sunscreen filters absorb harmful ultra-violet rays released from the sun. These rays are converted into heat and harmlessly released from the body.
Lipid molecules that occur naturally in the skin's outer layer (the stratum corneum), where they form a significant portion of the intercellular matrix. Ceramides are essential to healthy skin barrier function: they help retain moisture within the skin, regulate transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and prevent environmental irritants, allergens, and pollutants from penetrating. When ceramide levels are depleted through age, harsh cleansing, over-exfoliation, or environmental stress, the barrier weakens and skin becomes more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and reactive responses. Formulations containing ceramides or ceramide-mimicking ingredients support barrier integrity by reinforcing the lipid structure of the stratum corneum rather than simply coating the skin surface.
Exfoliation using acid-based ingredients that dissolve the chemical bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface, encouraging their natural release. Common chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid, and enzymatic agents such as papain and bromelain. Chemical exfoliation is typically more uniform and consistent than physical exfoliation: the active ingredient reaches the full surface area of the skin without requiring mechanical pressure. Different acids work at different depths and are suited to different skin concerns. AHAs act at the skin's surface to improve texture and tone; BHAs penetrate into the pore to address congestion and excess oil. At ZO, the Complexion Renewal Pads deliver a mild chemical toning and exfoliating step as the third stage of the Getting Skin Ready® protocol, preparing skin to receive Prevent + Correct products more effectively.
A category designation applied to skincare products formulated with clinically validated ingredients at concentrations and within delivery systems that go beyond what is typically available in standard over-the-counter retail. Products in this category use ingredients such as retinol, hydroquinone, and glycolic acid at clinically meaningful concentrations, often combined with proprietary delivery technologies designed to maximize penetration and tolerability. At ZO, clinical-grade reflects more than formulation strength. It reflects the principle that optimal skin health requires physician assessment and a guided protocol, not simply a product applied independently. ZO products are dispensed through authorized physicians who evaluate the skin, identify underlying dysfunction, and build a tailored system.
The primary structural protein in the dermis, forming a dense network of fibers that gives skin its firmness, resilience, and elasticity. The body produces collagen through specialized cells called fibroblasts; however, fibroblast activity begins to decline in the late twenties, and UV exposure, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress accelerate collagen degradation further over time. In topical skincare, the objective is not to deliver collagen molecules directly to the dermis. Collagen's molecular weight is too large for meaningful penetration through the epidermis. The goal is to support the skin's own collagen-producing processes. Clinically validated ingredients that support collagen synthesis include retinol (which stimulates fibroblast activity and supports collagen gene expression), peptides (which signal fibroblasts to initiate collagen production), and growth factors (which activate the extracellular matrix remodeling processes that maintain collagen architecture and dermal density).
A two-step cleansing method in which a first cleanse removes surface-level oil-soluble impurities—makeup, SPF, and excess sebum—before a second cleanse clears residual debris and brings the skin to a clean, balanced baseline. The logic is sequencing: the first step addresses what sits on top of the skin, allowing the second cleanse to work more effectively on the skin itself. At ZO, cleansing is the first and foundational step of the Getting Skin Ready® protocol. Selecting the correct cleanser for your skin type – Gentle Cleanser, Exfoliating Cleanser, Hydrating Cleanser, or Balancing Cleansing Emulsion – matters as much as technique. Speak with a physician to determine the right cleansing approach based on your skin's specific needs and how it responds throughout the day.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes symptoms such as itchiness, redness, dryness, rashes, scaly patches and infections.
A skin softening + smoothing ingredient used in moisturizers and hydrators. Examples of emollients include shea butter, plant oils, capric/capric tricglyerides and petrolatum.
A structural protein found in the dermis that gives skin its elasticity: the ability to stretch and return to its original shape. Elastin works alongside collagen in the skin's connective tissue, but the two serve distinct functions. Where collagen provides firmness and structural rigidity, elastin provides flexibility and resilience. It is produced by fibroblasts and is concentrated in the papillary dermis, where it supports the skin's natural bounce-back with movement and expression. Elastin production declines with age and degrades further with cumulative UV exposure and chronic inflammation. Unlike collagen, elastin has very limited capacity for renewal once degraded, making prevention the more effective strategy than correction. Topical actives that support fibroblast activity – including retinol, growth factors, and peptides – help support the skin's natural collagen and elastin production processes, contributing to visible improvements in firmness and elasticity over time.
A system of six skin types, ranging from very fair (type 1) to very dark (type VI), that classifies skin on its ability to burn or tan with sun exposure.
An atom or group of atoms with an unpaired electron. Unstable and highly reactive, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer and many diseases as well as contribute to signs of skin aging. Free radicals can be produced by sunlight, cigarette smoke, air pollution and stress.
Fine lines and wrinkles are both visible indicators of skin aging, but they are structurally and clinically distinct. Fine lines are shallow, surface-level changes in the skin: early signs of reduced hydration, slowed cellular turnover, or the beginning stages of collagen decline. They typically appear around the eyes, mouth, and forehead and are primarily epidermal in origin. Wrinkles are deeper and structurally embedded in the dermis, resulting from cumulative collagen and elastin degradation over time. Dynamic wrinkles form in areas of repeated muscle movement, such as expression lines at the outer corners of the eyes or between the brows. Static wrinkles are present even at rest, reflecting changes in the skin's foundational architecture. The distinction matters for product selection and delivery. Ingredients that support epidermal renewal – retinol, AHAs – can visibly improve the appearance of fine lines at the skin's surface. Retinol can also address deeper wrinkles, but the delivery system determines depth of action: a formulation that localizes retinol at the stratum corneum targets surface brightening, while one that directs it toward the basal layer of the epidermis supports the cellular renewal processes that visibly improve wrinkle depth, texture, and elasticity. Growth factors, targeted peptides, and firming complexes work at the dermal level to support collagen architecture and skin structural integrity, making them particularly relevant for static wrinkles and visible loss of firmness.
Getting Skin Ready®, or GSR®, is the foundation of healthy skin. It is a simple system of cleansing, exfoliating and toning that prepares skin for Prevent + Correct products.
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of the commonly used AHAs, which enables it to penetrate the skin more readily and produce measurable exfoliating and collagen-supporting effects. At the surface level, glycolic acid dissolves the bonds between dead corneocytes, encouraging regular cellular shedding. At higher concentrations used in professionally administered treatments, it also supports collagen synthesis in the dermis. Glycolic acid is well suited to visibly improving skin texture, addressing dullness, and supporting a more even skin tone over time. Because it increases photosensitivity, daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 40 or higher is essential.
Natural substances produced by cells that manage essential tasks like cellular proliferation, soothing redness and supporting collagen + elastin production. ZO's plant and enzymatically derived growth factor technology helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles + restore the look of facial volume.
Commonly known as blue light. HEV is a form of light believed to cause long-term skin damage as significant as UVA and UVB combined. While there may be no immediate signs such as redness or swelling, repeated exposure over time can lead to premature aging and even cancer. Sources of HEV light are the sun, electronics and fluroescent lights indoors.
A skin-bleaching agent that inhibits the production of melanin. It is used for lightening melasma, freckles, age spots and other skin hyperpigmentation concerns.
At ZO, clinically proven functional hydrators are used in place of traditional moisturizers. Functional hydrators accelerate hydration from within, soothe reactivity + redness and increase skin’s tolerance to more aggressive products like high-potency retinoids.
On the contrary, traditional moisturizers often offer only temporary, surface hydration and can weaken skin barrier function long-term, creating moisturizer dependency.
A naturally occurring polysaccharide found throughout the body, with the highest concentrations in the skin, connective tissue, and the eyes. In the skin, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant: it draws water molecules toward it and holds them within the tissue, supporting hydration, plumpness, and skin structural integrity. The body's natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, contributing to visible changes in volume and suppleness. Topical formulations use hyaluronic acid molecules of varying sizes to deliver hydration at different depths. Larger molecules hydrate at the surface; smaller, lower-molecular-weight molecules penetrate more deeply into the epidermis. Certain peptides – including the Volumising Tripeptide found in ZO's Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate – further support the skin's natural hyaluronic acid production at a cellular level, rather than supplementing it from the outside alone.
Darkening of an area of skin caused by increased melanin production. Hyperpigmentation presents as dark spots or sun spots, brown patches and red-brown marks after blemishes.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is produced in excess within localized areas of the skin, presenting as dark spots, sun spots, post-blemish marks, or patches of uneven skin tone. The underlying causes vary: UV exposure, chronic inflammation, hormonal shifts, and post-inflammatory responses following injury or breakouts all trigger melanin overproduction through different biological pathways. Effective hyperpigmentation protocols address both the mechanism driving excess melanin production and the visible discoloration already present at the surface. Ingredients used to visibly improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation include retinol (which normalizes cellular turnover to gradually fade pigmented deposits), vitamin C (which disrupts melanin synthesis at the tyrosinase stage), niacinamide (which reduces the transfer of melanin to surface skin cells), glycolic acid (which accelerates surface exfoliation), and tranexamic acid (which modulates multiple melanin-signaling pathways simultaneously). The appropriate combination and concentration of active ingredients depends on identifying the specific mechanism driving the discoloration in your skin.
Chronic inflammation that damages cells and tissues over time, causing signs of premature aging such as uneven skin tone, dehydration, dullness and pronounced fine lines and wrinkles.
The term used in skincare to identify the ingredients in a formulation primarily responsible for its intended effect on skin. Key ingredients vary by product and purpose: a brightening formulation might highlight vitamin C and niacinamide; a firming product might feature peptides and growth factors; a retinol formulation centers on its vitamin A derivative and the delivery system that determines how and where it acts in the skin. Understanding key ingredients helps consumers evaluate what a product is designed to do, at what depth it works, and whether it addresses their specific skin concerns.
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally present in milk and synthesized for topical skincare. Lactic acid has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, which produces a gentler, more superficial exfoliating action and makes it a well-tolerated entry point for skin types with lower tolerance for more aggressive AHAs. It dissolves surface dead skin cells, supports a more even-toned appearance, and helps improve skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. Lactic acid is frequently used in formulations developed for dry or sensitized skin where exfoliation is clinically warranted but where a stronger acid would risk compromising the barrier.
Group of pigments produced by cells in the skin, known as melanocytes. It gives color to hair, skin and iris of the eyes. It also helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Eumelanin produces dark brown to black pigment and pheomelanin produces yellow to red pigment.
Delivery system that provides a rapid, effective delivery of active ingredients such as high-potency retinol into the skin.
Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, niacinamide is a highly effective ingredient for enhancing skin health and combating skin-aging factors. Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, minimize water loss and boost microcirculation. It is also noted for its ability to brighten uneven skin tone, including post-blemish marks.
A delivery system that provides a slow, controlled delivery of an ingredient, such as high-potency retinol, to allow for a higher concentration while minimizing reactions.
An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses that can lead to premature signs of skin aging such as dryness, fine lines + wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Short chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the skin, signaling cells to perform specific functions. Different peptide sequences target different outcomes. Signal peptides prompt fibroblasts to produce more collagen. Carrier peptides deliver trace minerals that support enzymatic activity. Neuropeptides modulate neuromuscular communication to help reduce the visible appearance of expression-driven wrinkles. Enzyme-inhibitor peptides slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Because peptides work at the level of cellular signaling rather than through surface action, they are compatible with a broad range of skin types and can be layered alongside actives such as retinol and vitamin C.
ZO's Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate contains four distinct peptides – Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a Refining Peptide Complex, and a Volumizing Tripeptide – each with a specific, targeted mechanism, rather than the single-peptide approach common in standard retail formulations.
Potential hydrogen (pH). The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with lower numbers being more acidic and higher numbers being more alkaline. A healthy skin pH is slightly acidic -- about 4.5 to 5.5.
Extreme skin sensitivity or an unusual reactions when skin is overexposed to UV radiation from sunlight, tanning beds or other light sources.
The visible skin damage caused by chronic, cumulative UV exposure, as distinct from changes that occur through the natural aging process alone. UVA rays penetrate into the dermis, where they degrade collagen and elastin, disrupt melanocyte function, and drive the chronic inflammation that accelerates cellular aging over time. UVB rays compound this by impairing the skin's DNA repair capacity with repeated exposure. The visible result is recognizable: irregular pigmentation and dark spots, progressive loss of firmness and elasticity, surface roughness, and in advanced cases, solar elastosis: a yellowed, leathery skin texture caused by severe elastic fiber degradation. At ZO, sun protection is the non-negotiable final step in every morning system, applied after all Prevent + Correct products. No corrective protocol for photoaging sustains results without consistent, comprehensive daily photoprotection working alongside actives that support cellular renewal and collagen synthesis.
Physical sunscreen filters sit on top of the skin, creating a physical barrier to reflects the sun's rays. The two physical, or mineral, sunscreen filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
A form of acquired skin discoloration that develops after an inflammatory event, such as a breakout, skin trauma, or a sensitising product. When the skin's inflammatory response is triggered, melanocytes in the affected area can overreact and deposit excess melanin, leaving a flat, darkened mark at the site of the original inflammation. PIH tends to be more pronounced in deeper skin tones and worsens with UV exposure. Excess sebum is an upstream driver: it promotes the inflammatory cascade behind breakouts, which are among the most common PIH triggers. Retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid each help visibly improve the appearance of PIH through distinct mechanisms. A physician assessment is the appropriate starting point to determine the right protocol based on skin tone, the source of inflammation, and the depth of pigment deposit.
Skin that has undergone a procedure in a physician office such as laser resurfacing, microneedling or an aggressive chemical peel.
A vitamin A derivative and one of the most clinically studied topical actives in dermatology. When applied to the skin, retinol undergoes enzymatic conversion – first to retinaldehyde, then to retinoic acid – the biologically active form that binds to nuclear receptors in skin cells and initiates cellular renewal. This process supports the keratinocyte maturation cycle, promotes epidermal renewal, stimulates collagen synthesis, helps even skin tone, and visibly improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and surface texture over time.
Retinol requires a delivery system that protects its stability and controls the release of active molecules into the skin. ZO uses oleosomes – plant-derived, biomimetic delivery vessels that provide controlled, sustained retinol release – alongside a micro emulsion system for rapid epidermal release. ZO's ZO-RDS™ platform encapsulates retinol within a biomimetic liposomal structure for targeted delivery at specific epidermal depths. The Deep Delivery System (DDS) directs retinol toward the basal layer of the epidermis to support cellular renewal and address the appearance of wrinkles, texture, and elasticity. The Corneum Delivery System (CDS) localizes retinol at the stratum corneum, supporting visible brightening at the skin surface with minimized irritation.
The umbrella term for the family of vitamin A derivatives used in topical skincare. Retinoids include retinol, retinaldehyde (retinal), retinyl esters, and prescription-strength retinoic acid (tretinoin). Each form converts to retinoic acid within the skin, the biologically active compound that binds to nuclear receptors in skin cells and initiates cellular renewal processes. They differ in potency, conversion efficiency, and irritation profile.
Retinol and retinyl esters are available in over-the-counter formulations. Retinaldehyde sits one step closer to retinoic acid in the conversion chain. Prescription retinoic acid is the most direct form but carries the highest irritation potential and is intended for supervised, time-limited use. At ZO, retinol is the preferred retinoid for long-term skin health protocols because it supports continuous use and ongoing correction without the cumulative irritation associated with prescription-strength retinoic acid.
A period of acclimation that can occur when retinol is first introduced into a skincare system, particularly at higher concentrations. The skin may experience temporary redness, flaking, peeling, dryness, tightness, or stinging as cellular turnover accelerates. These responses are not indicators of skin damage. They are signs that retinol is activating the biological renewal processes it is designed to initiate.
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark. Unlike water-soluble AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, enabling it to penetrate through the sebum inside a pore rather than acting only at the skin's surface. This makes it particularly suited to blemish-prone and oily skin types, where it helps dissolve accumulated sebum, exfoliate within the pore lining, and reduce the appearance of congestion and post-blemish marks. Salicylic acid also has documented anti-inflammatory properties at the skin surface, supporting a calmer, more even appearance in skin prone to visible redness associated with breakouts.
An oily secretion of the sebaceous gland. While naturally produced by the body, sebum is an inflammatory substance. It induces a significant immune response contributing to clogged pores, blemishes, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring.
Skin that has been weakened by external or internal factors, ranging from harsh products to indoor winter heat. At ZO®, we believe that "sensitive skin" is sensitized, weak skin that needs to be strenghened with the right products.
The outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) and the lipid matrix that holds its structure together. The skin barrier performs two simultaneous functions: it prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping the skin hydrated and resilient; and it acts as a selective shield against environmental irritants, pollutants, allergens, and microorganisms.
A healthy skin barrier is the prerequisite for effective skincare. Products applied to a compromised barrier penetrate less predictably, cause more irritation, and deliver less reliable results. At ZO, Skin Barrier Function is the first of the eight principles underlying every protocol. Supporting and restoring the barrier is not a supplementary step; it is the foundation on which all correction and protection depend.
The visible improvement of uneven skin tone through normalized cellular turnover and reduced melanin accumulation at the skin's surface. Skin brightening differs from skin lightening or whitening, which works specifically to inhibit the body's natural pigment production. Brightening accelerates the shedding of pigment-laden surface cells and supports a more consistent melanin distribution without suppressing pigment formation at the source.
Active ingredients commonly associated with brightening effects include retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid. Each addresses pigment visibility through a distinct mechanism, which is why physician-guided protocols – combining multiple actives in a sequenced system – consistently produce more comprehensive results than single-ingredient approaches.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a standardized measure of how effectively a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB radiation – the primary wavelength responsible for sunburn and epidermal DNA damage. An SPF 50 formulation filters approximately 98% of UVB rays, compared to approximately 97% for SPF 30.
SPF alone does not indicate protection against UVA rays (the longer-wavelength rays responsible for deeper skin damage, pigmentation, and collagen degradation), HEV light (high-energy visible blue light from the sun and digital screens), or infrared-A (IR-A) radiation. Broad-spectrum labelling addresses UVA coverage, but not HEV or IR-A. At ZO, all sunscreens are formulated with Triple-Spectrum Protection® to address all four light categories, combined with ZOX12® – a proprietary antioxidant complex that delivers up to 12 continuous hours of free radical protection beyond what SPF alone provides. ZO recommends SPF 40 or higher for daily use. No sunscreen prevents 100% of UV penetration, and reapplication at least every two hours is essential for sustained protection.
Chronic, cumulative UV exposure is the primary external driver of visible skin aging. UV radiation degrades collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, disrupts melanin production, thins the epidermis, and generates free radicals that damage skin cells over time. These effects accumulate silently over years, often becoming visible only when the structural changes in the dermis are already substantial.
Addressing sun damage effectively requires two parallel strategies: prevention of further damage through consistent, broad-spectrum photoprotection every day, and correction of existing visible signs through actives that support cellular renewal, collagen synthesis, and melanin regulation. No corrective skincare system performs effectively in the absence of daily sun protection. Ongoing UV exposure continues to counteract whatever correction is being achieved, making sunscreen not just a preventive measure but a prerequisite for any corrective protocol to work.
A synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine with documented use in dermatology for visibly improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Tranexamic acid disrupts multiple pathways in the melanin production process, notably by reducing the activity of plasmin – an enzyme involved in the signaling chain that activates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) following UV exposure or inflammation.
Its mechanism differs from that of hydroquinone, which directly inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme central to melanin synthesis. This distinction makes tranexamic acid a valuable component of both standalone brightening formulations and multi-mechanism hyperpigmentation protocols, particularly where a complementary rather than redundant approach is needed. It is generally well tolerated across skin types, including sensitized skin.
All ZO® sunscreens contain ingredients that protect your skin against damage from 3 types of rays:
1. UVA + UVA rays
2. High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light from the sun + electronics
3. Infrared-A rays
Ultraviolet rays responsible for causing visible signs of aging. Their longer wavelength, 320 to 400 nm, allows them to reach skin's deeper layer, damaging important structural components such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. UVA rays are able to penetrate cloud cover and glass as well.
UVB rays responsible for sunburns. These burning rays are most linked to the formation of skin cancer. Wavelength of UVB rays is 280–320 nm.
A ZO® Skin Health exclusive technology, ZCORE™ is a targeting firming complex that improves the visible appearance of skin sagging, including neck skin.
A mineral UV filter that protects the skin by sitting at the surface and reflecting or scattering UV radiation before it penetrates. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum coverage across both UVB and UVA wavelengths, making it one of the most comprehensive single-filter options available. It is photostable – it does not degrade under sun exposure – maintaining consistent protection throughout the day. Zinc oxide is also well tolerated by sensitized skin types because it does not generate heat upon UV absorption, unlike chemical filters, which convert UV energy into heat before releasing it from the skin.
p>At ZO, mineral sunscreens formulated with zinc oxide are developed within the Triple-Spectrum Protection™ framework, extending coverage beyond UVA and UVB to address high-energy visible (HEV) light and infrared-A (IR-A) radiation through additional protective agents and the ZOX12® antioxidant complex, which delivers up to 12 continuous hours of free radical defense across the full light spectrum.A ZO® Skin Health exclusive technology, ZO-RRS2® is a redness reducing plant stem cell complex that helps to powerfully neutralize aging free radicals while soothing visible redness.
A ZO® Skin Health exclusive technology, ZOX12® is an exclusive antioxidant complex that slowly releases vitamins A, C and E into skin to deliver 12 hours of free radical protection.
A ZO® Skin Health exclusive technology, ZPOLY™ is a plant-derived polysaccharide complex that minimizes signs of premature aging while infusing extended hydration + strengthening skin’s barrier.
A ZO® Skin Health exclusive technology, ZPRO® is a biomimetic sericin protein complex that minimizes the look of fine lines while enhancing skin plumpness + hydration from within.