Making Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide in Water Base

Regarding your questions about making a water-based sunscreen using Zinc Oxide:

1. Can you make an effective sunscreen using just water, 20% Zinc Oxide, and Pro Polymer?
   Based on the information, physical sunscreens like Zinc Oxide need to be well-dispersed for effective sun protection. While Zinc Oxide doesn't dissolve, it disperses much better in silicone or oil bases than in water. Therefore, a simple mixture of water, Zinc Oxide, and Pro Polymer is not recommended for creating an effective and stable sunscreen.

2. Should you disperse Micronized Zinc Oxide in oil or LipidSoft first?
   Yes, it is recommended to disperse the Zinc Oxide in an oil or silicone phase first before adding it to the gelled water phase. This helps achieve better dispersion. You can use ingredients like LipidSoft or other suitable oils. The amount of oil needed depends on the concentration of Zinc Oxide you are using; higher concentrations require more oil for proper dispersion. If you need to use a higher percentage of oil, consider using lighter oils like LipidSoft Lite to avoid a sticky texture.

3. Is Zinc Oxide an electrolyte that affects gel formation?
   No, according to the staff, Zinc Oxide is not an electrolyte that affects gel formation.

Additional points:

• If you are using Micronized Zinc Oxide, you will need a strong blender to ensure the powder is fully dispersed. Without sufficient blending, the particles can clump together, reducing effectiveness and potentially settling over time.
• An alternative like Zinc Oxide EasyDisperse is available, which is designed to disperse more easily, potentially requiring less intensive blending.

In summary, while you can incorporate Zinc Oxide into a water-based formula by first dispersing it in an oil or silicone phase, a simple water-based dispersion alone is not sufficient for effective sun protection. Dispersing in oil/silicone first is crucial for proper particle distribution.