| abstract |
A storage stable aqueous or aqueous/alcoholic solution of zinc ions in the presence of bicarbonate ions is disclosed. The solution comprises: (a) a source of zinc ion, (b) a source of a stabilizing anion which can stabilize soluble zinc and bicarbonate in solution; (c) a source of bicarbonate ion; and (d) a solvent therefor. The solvent comprises: (i) a major proportion of water, (ii) optionally a minor amount of a lower monohydric alcohol: and (iii) optionally a minor amount of a humectant having at least 3 hydroxy groups. The zinc salt is present in an amount. A sufficient to provide from about 0.01 weight % to about 1 weight % zinc ion; the stabilizing anion in an amount B of at least 1.2 equivalent of zinc ion; and the bicarbonate ion cannot exceed certain levels which arc related to the level of the stabilizing anion. |