Collection: Calamine-Containing Skincare Products

What Is Calamine and Why Is It Used in Skincare?

Calamine is a mineral-based skincare active composed of a mixture of zinc oxide (ZnO) and a small amount of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃). Used for centuries in medicine and dermatology, this ingredient is known for its anti-itch (antipruritic), soothing, mildly antiseptic, and oil-absorbing properties. The component that gives calamine its characteristic pink color is the iron oxide in the formula.

Traditionally used for insect bites, sunburns, and skin irritations, calamine has been rediscovered in modern skincare in recent years — especially with the rise of Korean skincare (K-Beauty) trends. With proven efficacy in areas such as acne care, sebum control, pore tightening, and soothing sensitive skin, this active is also used in sunscreen formulations for mineral protection and color correction (pink toning).

How Does Calamine Work on the Skin?

The effect of calamine on the skin occurs through the synergy of multiple mechanisms:

1. Soothing and Cooling: When applied to the skin, calamine creates a slight cooling sensation through evaporation. This cooling effect relieves the skin by reducing itching and irritation. It also alleviates signs of redness and inflammation.

2. Oil Absorption: The mineral structure of calamine absorbs excess sebum (oil) on the skin's surface. This property provides shine control for oily skin while reducing the risk of clogged pores. When used with kaolin (white clay), its oil-absorbing capacity increases even further.

3. Creating a Protective Barrier: By forming a thin, breathable mineral film on the skin's surface, it provides a physical barrier against external factors (pollution, bacteria, friction). This barrier supports the recovery process of sensitive or damaged skin.

4. Mild Antiseptic Effect: The zinc oxide in calamine has mild antiseptic properties that slow bacterial growth. In acne-prone skin, it helps prevent the spread of inflammation by reducing bacterial activity in the pimple area.

5. Physical Sun Protection: The zinc oxide component provides broad-spectrum sun protection by physically reflecting UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sun filters, it has a very low risk of skin irritation — making it an ideal sun protection mechanism for sensitive skin.

The NewLab Skincare Products Containing Calamine

Anti-Acne Drying Lotion

Offering a targeted solution for pimples and acne, this lotion combines the soothing and oil-absorbing effect of Calamine with the pore-cleansing power of Salicylic Acid. While Zinc Oxide in the formula creates an antiseptic barrier, Tea Tree Oil provides a natural antibacterial effect, and Chamomile Extract soothes the skin to reduce redness. Kaolin (White Clay) absorbs excess oil, accelerating the drying of the pimple.

Used as a spot treatment with its quick-drying formula, this lotion can show visible results in just one night when applied to active pimples before bed.

Active Ingredients: Calamine, Salicylic Acid, Zinc Oxide, Tea Tree Oil, Kaolin, Chamomile Extract

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Brightening And Skin Tone Evening Sunscreen SPF 50+

Combining broad-spectrum physical sun protection with the color-correcting effect of Calamine, this sunscreen evens out skin tone while providing UV protection. The natural pink tone of calamine neutralizes skin redness to create a more even appearance. While Zinc Oxide forms a physical UV barrier, Green Tea Extract adds antioxidant protection, and Provitamin B5 provides hydration and barrier support.

Active Ingredients: Calamine, Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Extract, Provitamin B5

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Sunscreen SPF 50 Sun Drops Serum

Offering daily sun protection with its lightweight serum formula, this product carries the physical protective power of Calamine and Zinc Oxide. Supported by Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, it is a multi-functional sun serum that hydrates the skin and strengthens the barrier while providing protection.

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Benefits of Calamine for the Skin

Acne and Pimple Care: The triple effect of calamine—oil absorption, antiseptic, and soothing—is a powerful tool for acne-prone skin. It absorbs excess sebum, slows bacterial activity, and reduces inflammation. When used with salicylic acid, it is effective both on the surface and within the pores.

Sebum and Shine Control: With its mineral structure, it physically absorbs excess oil on the skin surface. It provides a matte look throughout the day for oily and combination skin. It can also be used as a primer before makeup.

Soothing and Anti-Itch: Calamine's best-known feature is its ability to soothe itching and irritation. It relieves the skin after sunburns, insect bites, allergic reactions, and irritation caused by cosmetic products.

Physical Sun Protection: Thanks to its zinc oxide component, it provides broad-spectrum protection by reflecting UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical filters, it does not irritate the skin — making it the safest sun protection method for sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin.

Skin Tone Evening: The natural pink tone of calamine acts as a color corrector in sunscreens. It neutralizes redness, creates a more even skin tone, and reduces the issue of a white cast.

Pore Tightening: Its oil-absorbing effect reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. With regular use, pores become less visible.

Calamine vs. Zinc Oxide: What Is the Difference?

They can be confused because calamine contains zinc oxide—but they are not the same thing:

Zinc Oxide (ZnO): Pure, white mineral powder. Provides physical sun protection, antiseptic effect, and barrier formation. There is a risk of a white cast.

Calamine: A mixture of zinc oxide + iron oxide. It carries all the properties of zinc oxide, while the pink tone of the iron oxide reduces the white cast issue and adds a color-correcting effect. Its oil-absorbing and cooling capacity is more pronounced.

In short: Calamine is an "upgraded" version of zinc oxide—offering the same protective benefits while providing less white cast, more color correction, and additional soothing effects.

Best Combinations

Calamine + Salicylic Acid: A powerful duo for acne treatment. While salicylic acid penetrates pores to clear blockages, calamine absorbs oil on the surface, soothes, and reduces bacterial activity. The NewLab's Anti-Acne Drying Lotion offers this duo in a single formula.

Calamine + Niacinamide: Sebum control + barrier strengthening. While niacinamide regulates sebum production, calamine absorbs existing excess oil. Together, they provide comprehensive control for oily skin.

Calamine + Green Tea Extract: Soothing + antioxidant protection. Green tea's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects support calamine's soothing power. The NewLab's Brightening Sunscreen contains this duo.

Calamine + Vitamin B5: Barrier repair + soothing. While B5 supports lipid production, calamine forms a physical barrier. Dual protection for sensitive and barrier-damaged skin.

Calamine + Zinc PCA: Dual mechanism for sebum control. While Zinc PCA regulates sebum production at the hormonal level, calamine physically absorbs excess surface oil.

Which Skin Types Is Calamine Suitable For?

Oily Skin: The area where calamine excels most. Its oil-absorbing, shine-controlling, and pore-tightening effects meet the essential needs of oily skin.

Acne-Prone Skin: The combination of antiseptic effect, oil absorption, and soothing makes it a valuable tool in acne care. When used with salicylic acid, it forms a powerful acne-care duo.

Sensitive Skin: Calamine can be safely used on sensitive skin. Its soothing and cooling effect reduces irritation. Choosing calamine/zinc oxide instead of chemical filters for sun protection lowers the risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Combination Skin: For combination skin where the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, calamine-containing products can be applied to these specific areas to keep shine under control.

Dry Skin: Due to calamine's oil-absorbing property, it should be used with caution on very dry skin. It is suitable for use as a sunscreen, but it is recommended to apply a moisturizer over it if used in lotion form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should calamine lotion be applied to the whole face or just the pimples?

The Anti-Acne Drying Lotion is applied as a spot treatment directly onto active pimples — there is no need to apply it to the whole face. Before going to bed, apply it as a dot onto the pimple on clean skin using a cotton swab or your fingertip, and leave it on until morning.

Can sunscreen containing calamine be used on sensitive skin?

Yes, it is especially ideal for sensitive skin. Calamine and zinc oxide are physical (mineral) sun filters — they do not penetrate the skin like chemical filters, but remain on the surface to reflect UV rays. Therefore, the risk of irritation is very low, and they can be safely preferred for sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin.

Can calamine be used during pregnancy?

Yes. Calamine is a mineral-based ingredient that is not absorbed by the skin—it acts by staying on the surface. It can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to choose calamine/zinc oxide-based physical sunscreens instead of chemical filters for sun protection during pregnancy.

Can calamine and niacinamide be used together?

Yes, they are an excellent duo. Niacinamide regulates sebum production, while calamine absorbs the existing excess oil. Together, they provide comprehensive control for oily and acne-prone skin. The routine of morning: niacinamide serum → sunscreen containing calamine is ideal.

Does calamine tighten pores?

Yes. Calamine's oil-absorbing effect reduces sebum buildup within enlarged pores, helping them appear smaller. When used with BHA (salicylic acid), more effective results are obtained through deep pore cleansing + surface oil absorption.

Is the pink color of calamine visible on the skin?

In sunscreens, the pink tone of calamine disappears quickly upon application and blends into the natural skin tone. In fact, this pink tone provides an advantage—it neutralizes redness, creating a more even skin tone and reducing the issue of a white cast. In the Anti-Acne Drying Lotion, the pink layer remains visible on the pimple, which is normal and a sign that the product is working.

Can calamine be used with retinol?

Yes. When using retinol, the skin's sensitivity to the sun increases—using a physical sunscreen containing calamine during this period provides both sun protection and a soothing effect. The cooling effect of calamine can balance the potential irritation of retinol.