If you've started looking for clothing for sensitive skin, you've probably come across "zinc-infused fabric." Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in skincare products, but it also raises reasonable questions. How exactly does zinc end up in fabric? What does it do? And is it a good fit for a baby's skin?
This is a plain explanation of how our fabric is made. It is general information and not medical advice.
What Is Zinc Oxide, and Why Is It Used in Skincare?
Zinc oxide is a mineral that has been used in skincare for a long time. You'll find it in nappy creams and sunscreen. In those products it is applied to the skin and needs to be reapplied.
Soothla takes a different approach. Instead of a cream, we use a fabric where the zinc oxide is part of the fibre itself.
Traditional Zinc vs. Zinc-Infused Fabric: What's the Difference?
Zinc cream sits on top of skin and washes off. In zinc-infused fabric, the zinc oxide is embedded in the fibre.
Through the Smartcel Sensitive patented process, zinc oxide is incorporated directly into TENCEL lyocell fibres during the manufacturing stage, not applied as a coating afterward. This means:
- The zinc is part of the fibre, not sitting on the surface
- It does not wash out like a coating would
- There is no extra finishing step that could flake or fade
How Zinc-Infused TENCEL Is Made
Step 1: The TENCEL Foundation
TENCEL lyocell is made from eucalyptus wood pulp, produced in a closed-loop process that recovers and reuses 99% of the solvents used. The fibre is smooth, soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and biodegradable.
Step 2: The Zinc Embedding Process
The Smartcel Sensitive process adds zinc oxide to the lyocell fibres during production, so the zinc becomes part of the fibre rather than a coating. Our products are made in OEKO-TEX certified factories.
Step 3: The Finished Fabric
The result is a soft fabric with zinc oxide, a mineral often used in skincare, built into the fibre. We use it for clothing and bedding designed for sensitive skin.
What Zinc Fabric Does and What It Doesn't
| ✓ Zinc-infused TENCEL DOES | ✗ It DOES NOT |
|---|---|
| Provide a hypoallergenic, soft skin surface | Cure or treat any condition |
| Keep the zinc embedded in the fibre, not as a coating | Replace medical advice or care from your doctor |
| Wick moisture away from skin | Work the same for every child |
| Stay in the fibre wash after wash | Replace a skincare routine your doctor has recommended |
| Feel soft and comfortable against sensitive skin | Make any promise about your child’s skin |
Why Zinc + TENCEL Together?
TENCEL gives the fabric its soft feel, breathability and moisture-wicking. Zinc oxide is embedded in that base. We chose lyocell as the carrier because a breathable fabric is more comfortable to wear and sleep in, especially for children with sensitive skin.
Is Zinc Fabric a Good Fit for Babies and Children?
Our products are designed for sensitive skin. Some key points:
- Our fabric is made without formaldehyde, nylon, nickel and latex
- Made in OEKO-TEX certified factories
- Zinc allergies are possible but rare; TENCEL allergies are rarer still
- If irritation occurs with any new fabric, stop using it and talk to your doctor
The Sustainability Angle
TENCEL is produced in a closed-loop process and is biodegradable. Because the fabric is breathable, many parents find they do not need to wash it more often than other clothing, which is gentler on the fabric and the environment.
FAQ: Zinc Fabric Questions
Does the zinc wash out?
No. The zinc oxide is embedded in the fibres, not applied as a coating.
Is this the same as giving my child a zinc supplement?
No. Wearing a fabric is entirely different from taking a supplement by mouth.
Is zinc fabric a treatment?
No. Our clothing and bedding are designed for sensitive skin. They do not treat or cure any condition. Talk to your doctor about your child's skin.
Can I mix zinc-infused bedding with regular pyjamas?
Yes. You can combine them however you like.
Doctor Recommended
"Soothla's products are developed based on research; therefore, we feel confident recommending them to our patients with extremely sensitive skin and eczema."
Explore Soothla's Zinc-Infused Products
All Soothla bedding and clothing uses TENCEL lyocell infused with zinc via the Smartcel Sensitive process. Designed in Sweden, crafted in Portugal. Made in OEKO-TEX certified factories.
Shop Bedsheets Shop Clothing Learn More About Our Fabric
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a dermatologist for guidance specific to your child's skin.
