Skip to content
SupplyList
Menu

Calamine

Calamine suppliers and sourcing guide

Calamine is a pink powder of zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric (iron) oxide, which gives the color. Pharmacopeial calamine is made by blending or co-precipitating the two oxides to a set zinc oxide content; historically it was ground zinc carbonate ore. Brands buy it as a fine powder for lotions, creams and powders where it is the declared OTC skin protectant active.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Prepared calamine · Zinc oxide with ferric oxide · Iron oxide-zinc oxide mixture
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of calamine

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pharmacopeial powder

    USP or Ph. Eur. calamine with a defined zinc oxide assay, used when calamine is the declared active.

  • Fine or micronized grades

    Smaller particle sizes that suspend better in lotions and feel smoother on skin.

  • Color-matched grades

    Grades with controlled iron oxide content for consistent pink shade between lots.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Zinc oxide assay
Zinc oxide content after ignition, by complexometric titration, against the compendial range.
Loss on ignition
Weight lost on heating, which reflects carbonate and moisture.
Acid-insoluble substances
Residue insoluble in acid, which flags silica or other mineral contamination.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, important for any mineral oxide.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, as the powder goes into water-based lotions.
Color and particle size
Shade against a standard and particle size distribution.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store calamine in closed containers in a dry place; it is stable but picks up moisture and odors if left open. Keep dust down when handling. Shelf life and retest dates are set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record zinc oxide assay and color for each lot, since iron oxide content changes the finished shade. Check particle size when switching suppliers, as it affects lotion settling.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Calamine suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking calamine suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell calamine? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of calamine can brands buy?

Common forms include pharmacopeial powder, fine or micronized grades and color-matched grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for calamine include?

Expect zinc oxide assay, loss on ignition, acid-insoluble substances, heavy metals, microbiology and color and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should calamine be stored?

Store calamine in closed containers in a dry place; it is stable but picks up moisture and odors if left open. Keep dust down when handling. Shelf life and retest dates are set by the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of calamine?

21 CFR 347.10 lists calamine at 1 to 25 percent as an OTC skin protectant active ingredient. Health Canada's Medicated Skin Care Products Monograph lists calamine (iron oxide mixture with zinc oxide) at 1 to 25% as a medicinal ingredient.

More cosmetic actives

All 62 cosmetic actives

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing