Which mineral/sunscreen ingredient is commonly included in mineral makeup?

The correct answer is zinc oxide, which is commonly included in mineral makeup due to its broad-spectrum UV protection properties. Zinc oxide serves as a physical blocker, reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin, making it an effective ingredient for protecting against sun damage. This capability not only helps in preventing sunburn but also contributes to the overall health of the skin by potentially preventing skin cancer associated with UV exposure.

While titanium dioxide is also a popular mineral sunscreen ingredient used in cosmetics for similar protective qualities, zinc oxide stands out for its ability to provide both UV protection and a soothing effect on the skin. Iron oxide is more commonly used for pigmentation and color in mineral makeup rather than for sun protection. Calcium carbonate may be found in some formulations for texture and opacity, but it does not provide UV protection like zinc oxide. Thus, zinc oxide's dual benefits of sun protection and skin soothing make it a prevalent choice in mineral makeup formulations.