Tin Oxide
Occlusive-opacifying agent
No known benefits
Tin Oxide at a glance
- Mineral-derived cosmetic ingredient that is most often used to lend opacity to a formula
- May also function as a bulking agent, increasing the volume of the formula
- White-to-grayish powder in raw material form
- Also goes by the name “tin(IV) oxide” in research literature
Tin Oxide description
Tin oxide typically functions as an opacifying agent in cosmetic products and is commonly used in combination with mica and titanium dioxide. It can also function as a bulking agent, increasing the volume of the formula. Tin oxide occurs in nature as the mineral cassiterite. Cosmetic suppliers of tin oxide describe it as a white-to-grayish powder in raw material form. Tin oxide can also be formulated in a way that it functions as scrub particles. In 2014, tin oxide was deemed safe in up to 1.3% concentration by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. This ingredient also goes by the name “tin(IV) oxide” in research literature.