Zirconium Dioxide; Zirconium Oxide

(in 9 products)

Banned by Gov or classified as a carcinogen by IARC

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), sometimes known as zirconia (not to be confused with zircon) and zirconium oxide, is a crystalline metal oxide that has found its way into the ceramics industry. It is characterized by its high thermal resistivity, mechanical resistance, and abrasive properties. Its most naturally occurring form, with a monoclinic crystalline structure, is the mineral baddeleyite. A dopant stabilized cubic structured zirconia, cubic zirconia, is synthesized in various colors for use as a gemstone and a diamond simulant.

The main use of zirconia is in the production of hard ceramics, such as in dentistry, with other uses including as a protective coating on particles of titanium dioxide pigments, as a refractory material, in insulation, abrasives, and enamels. One of its most popular forms is cubic zirconia, a cubic crystalline compound that is colorless and mechanically tough. Because of its optically flawless property, it serves as a low-cost alternative to diamonds in the jewelry industry.

Zirconium dioxide should not be confused with zircon (or zirconium silicate), a mineral that is also used in the ceramics industry and refractories.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/62395

1. EU CosIng Annex II, SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]

- Ref: II/391

2. CANADA INGREDIENT HOTLIST, List of Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products [2019]

- Zirconium and its compounds

3. Japan - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare - Prohibited Ingredients

- Zirconium

4. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Annex II, Prohibited

- Zirconium and its compounds, with the exception of the substances listed under reference number 50 in Annex III, Part 1, and the zirconium lakes, pigments and salts of the colouring agents listed in Annex IV, Part 1

5. South Korea - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Prohibited/Restricted Chemicals

- Ref: 1409