U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety of zinc chloride and approved its use as an astringent in oral care over-the-counter (OTC) drug products at concentrations of 0.1-0.25%. FDA includes zinc chloride on its list of substances considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a nutrient. It is also on the list of GRAS indirect food addtives for use in cotton and cotton fabrices used in food packaging.

Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the Expert Panel procedures.

The FDA’s Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) concluded that there was no evidence in the available information on zinc chloride that demonstrates a hazard to the public when used at levels that are now current and in the manner now practiced.

The FDA Monograph on oral health care drug products

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for zinc chloride

• Nutrients 
• General Provisions 

Water-soluble zinc salts, including zinc chloride, are listed in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union and may be used at a maximum concentration of 1% (calculated as zinc) (see Annex III).