Zinc Gluconate Good Humectant Hydration Zinc Gluconate description The zinc salt of gluconic acid, a mild acid produced from the sugar glucose. Despite the in-part sugar origins, this is a synthetic ingredient that functions as a preservative. Interestingly, the human body produces gluconates on its own to assist in obtaining nutrients from minerals. There’s research showing oral consumption of zinc gluconate may be helpful for blemishes; however, it wasn’t compared with other oral options for blemishes, such as antibiotics and isotretinoin, an oral retinoid. Zinc gluconate is considered safe as used in cosmetics. t’s also used in over-the-counter oral lozenges designed to combat the common cold. Related ingredients: Zinc Stearate