Zinksalbe
Zinksalbe
Product Description
Mivolis Zinksalbe is a no-frills German pharmacy classic: a thick, fragrance-free ointment with 10% zinc oxide that forms a protective barrier to calm irritation, soothe weeping or chafed skin, and support the healing of minor wounds and diaper rash โ gentle enough for the whole family, including babies, for under โฌ3.
โจ Texture & Feel
Protective Barrier
Forms a breathable, water-repellent film that shields raw, weeping or chafed skin from moisture, friction and bacteria.
Supports Wound Healing
10% zinc oxide has astringent, mildly antibacterial action traditionally used to help minor abrasions, cuts and diaper rash recover.
Family & Baby Friendly
Free from fragrance, dyes and preservatives โ gentle enough for infants and recommended for diaper dermatitis.
Unbeatable Value
A pharmacy-grade staple for under โฌ3, stocked across thousands of dm drugstores throughout Europe.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical zinc oxide acts on the skin surface and isn't meaningfully absorbed; used on babies and expectant mothers for decades.
Contains wool wax alcohols, cetearyl alcohol and petrolatum, which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not fungal-acne safe.
Wool wax alcohols are a recognised contact allergen โ patch test first if you have a known lanolin sensitivity.
The heavy occlusive texture can trap oil and debris; better as a spot/barrier treatment than all-over facial use.
Fragrance-, dye- and preservative-free with a very low allergen profile (aside from lanolin).
Avoid the eyes. For deep, large or infected wounds, see a doctor rather than self-treating.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โช Zinc Oxide 10% Proven
The single active ingredient. A mineral that is astringent, soothing and mildly antibacterial; it forms a protective layer over skin and supports the natural repair of minor wounds and irritation.
- Source: Regulatory agencies classify zinc oxide as non-toxic, and research shows it does not penetrate intact skin.
- Source: A 2018 review found topical zinc can help speed up wound-healing times.
๐ข๏ธ Petrolatum Base Proven
Highly refined white petroleum jelly that creates the ointment's water-repellent occlusive barrier.
- Source: Reduces transepidermal water loss by up to 99%, making it one of the most effective occlusives.
- Source: Creates a hydrophobic film that also helps protect against infection and allergens.
๐ง Paraffinum Liquidum Base Proven
Liquid paraffin โ a highly refined mineral oil that softens the ointment and adds emollient slip so it glides onto skin.
- Source: Classified as non-irritating and non-comedogenic in cosmetic safety assessments.
- Source: Acts as an emollient, trapping moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated.
๐ Lanolin Alcohol Wool Wax Promising
Fatty alcohols derived from purified lanolin that act as emollient and emulsifier, helping the balm cling to and condition the skin.
- Source: A well-established skin-conditioning fatty alcohol with low irritation potential for most users.
- Source: Recognised as a contact allergen in a minority of sensitive individuals.
๐งช Cetearyl Alcohol Texture Promising
A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols used to thicken and stabilise the ointment โ not a drying alcohol.
- Source: Studies show it is non-toxic and non-irritating; the FDA permits it in products labelled "alcohol-free".
- Source: Its fatty-acid base means it may not be Malassezia-folliculitis safe.
๐งฏ BHT Antioxidant Proven
Butylhydroxytoluene โ a synthetic antioxidant that keeps the oils in the formula from oxidising and turning rancid.
- Source: Currently permitted for cosmetic use by both the FDA and the EU.
- Source: Restricted in UK cosmetics from April 2024 based on concerns originating from oral-intake studies.
6 ingredients
Zinc Oxide (10%), Lanolin Alcohol (Wool Wax Alcohol), Cetearyl Alcohol, Petrolatum (White), Paraffinum Liquidum (Liquid Paraffin), BHT (Butylhydroxytoluene).
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as the final, occlusive step on clean, dry skin after any treatments or moisturiser. Best at night or as a targeted SOS spot โ not as an all-over daytime layer under sunscreen or makeup.
๐ How to Use
Clean the area
Wash your hands and gently cleanse the affected skin, then pat it completely dry.
Apply a thin layer
Dab a small amount over irritated, chafed or healing skin. A little goes a long way โ it spreads slowly.
Reapply as needed
Refresh with each diaper change or 1โ3 times daily, especially before bed for overnight protection.
Cover if helpful
For weeping wounds you can top with a sterile dressing. For external use only โ avoid the eyes.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a cheap, reliable SOS balm for chafing, minor wounds or diaper rash
- You need a fragrance- and preservative-free barrier for sensitive skin
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a baby's skin
- You prefer simple, short ingredient lists
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) or are very breakout-prone on the face
- You have a known lanolin / wool-wax allergy
- You want a lightweight daily facial moisturizer
- You need treatment for a deep or infected wound (see a doctor)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Effective as a targeted spot barrier, but the heavy occlusive film feels greasy across large oily areas.
Locks in moisture and shields cracked, chapped skin beautifully โ ideal for very dry patches.
Best on targeted dry or irritated zones rather than as an all-over application.
Fragrance-, dye- and preservative-free and very gentle โ just mind a possible lanolin allergy.
Occlusive, lanolin-containing and not fungal-acne safe; can congest facial pores if used all over.
๐ Results Timeline
Soothing relief
The barrier calms stinging, itching and the burning feel of irritated skin, often almost on contact.
~80% feel quick soothingVisible calming
Redness and weeping reduce as the protective film keeps the area dry and undisturbed.
~70% noticedHealing support
Minor abrasions, diaper rash and chafing typically show clear improvement with regular use.
~65% noticedOngoing protection
Continued barrier use helps prevent re-irritation from friction, sweat or moisture.
Maintenance phaseโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely affordable pharmacy staple (under โฌ3)
- Proven 10% zinc oxide barrier for irritation and minor wounds
- Fragrance-, dye- and preservative-free
- Safe for babies, pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Calms weeping, itchy and chafed skin quickly
- Widely stocked across dm stores
โ Criticized
- Thick, greasy, hard-to-spread texture
- Leaves an opaque white film / cast
- Not fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe
- Contains lanolin โ a risk for wool-allergic users
- Too occlusive for all-over facial use
- Short 6-month shelf life once opened
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Essentially the same 10% zinc oxide + lanolin + petrolatum formula sold under house and pharmacy brands. Near-identical performance for even less.
Double the zinc oxide and fragrance-free for stronger astringent, barrier action. Also not fungal-acne safe and a little pricier.
Natural, lanolin-free organic formula โ a good choice for wool-allergic skin, though gentler/less occlusive and noticeably more expensive.
Zinc oxide + lanolin + benzyl alcohol adds mild antiseptic and anaesthetic action. Lighter, creamier texture but it contains fragrance.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Mivolis Zinksalbe (Featured)
~โฌ2.95Sudocrem
~โฌ7Desitin Rapid Relief
~โฌ8Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream
~โฌ10๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening (per the manufacturer's pack)
Store below 25ยฐC in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Aluminium squeeze tube
Yes โ the 100 ml tube is carry-on friendly
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Topical zinc oxide stays on the skin's surface and isn't absorbed into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, and it's been used on babies and during pregnancy and breastfeeding for decades. Avoid applying it to the nipple area right before nursing, and as always, check with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. It contains wool wax alcohols (lanolin), cetearyl alcohol and petrolatum, which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you're managing fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), this ointment isn't recommended on affected areas.
Yes, but use it as the final occlusive layer. Apply your active (retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA), let it fully absorb, then seal with the ointment. It can actually buffer irritation from strong actives. Avoid mixing it into the same layer, as the heavy film can reduce how well actives penetrate.
It's best for dry, sensitive and compromised or irritated skin that needs a protective barrier. It's less ideal for oily or acne-prone facial skin because of its occlusive, lanolin-containing formula. On the body, hands and as a spot treatment, almost any skin type can use it.
Soothing relief is often felt within minutes to a day. Visible calming of redness and weeping usually appears within 1โ3 days, and minor wounds, chafing and diaper rash typically show clear improvement within 3โ7 days of consistent use.
It belongs as the very last step. After cleansing, treatments and moisturiser, apply it as a targeted seal or spot โ ideally at night or as needed. Because it's opaque and occlusive, it's not designed to wear under daytime sunscreen or makeup.
There's a moderate risk on the face (roughly 3/5). The individual ingredients are fairly low-comedogenic, but the thick occlusive film combined with lanolin can trap oil and congest acne-prone facial skin. It's excellent for the body, hands and barrier repair โ just use it sparingly and as a spot treatment on the face.
About 6 months once opened, according to the manufacturer's packaging. Note your open date, keep the cap closed and the tube tip clean, and store it below 25ยฐC to keep the formula stable.
Verdict: Mivolis Zinksalbe is one of the best-value barrier balms you can buy โ a proven, fragrance-free 10% zinc oxide ointment that calms irritation, soothes chafing and supports the healing of minor wounds and diaper rash for the whole family, all for under โฌ3. It loses points only for what it isn't: it's thick, greasy and leaves a white film, it contains lanolin, and it isn't fungal-acne safe, so it's a targeted SOS and body treatment rather than a daily facial moisturizer. For an honest, no-frills medicine-cabinet staple, it's very hard to beat.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Zinc Oxide
Skin Protecting, Sunscreen Agent, Cosmetic Colorant
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 3 |
Lanolin Alcohol
Emollient, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 6 |
BHT
Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 4 |
Petrolatum
Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Uv Absorber, Moisturising, Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
|
|