Are there harmful chemicals in Zyn?

September 28, 2025 •

4 min read

While often marketed as a “safer” alternative, nicotine pouches like Zyn are not without risks, as no tobacco product is completely harmless. This article explores whether there are harmful chemicals in Zyn pouches by examining their ingredient list and relevant scientific findings.

Quick Summary

Zyn nicotine pouches contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and food-grade ingredients, but studies have detected trace amounts of potentially harmful compounds, including some carcinogens, similar to those found in other nicotine products,.

Key Points

Nicotine is the main harmful chemical: Despite containing food-grade ingredients, Zyn delivers pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, a highly addictive substance with cardiovascular and oral health risks,,.
Trace chemicals detected: Some studies have found trace amounts of potentially harmful compounds like formaldehyde, chromium, and nickel in certain nicotine pouches, including Zyn, though at lower levels than traditional tobacco products,.
Not risk-free: Public health experts, including the American Lung Association, state that no nicotine or tobacco product is safe, and the long-term effects of Zyn are still being investigated,.
Oral health risks: Consistent use of Zyn can lead to gum recession, mouth sores, and increased risk of periodontal disease due to nicotine's effects on blood flow and tissue.
Less harmful than cigarettes, but not for cessation: While considered less harmful than smoking for adult users, Zyn is not an FDA-approved cessation aid and can still lead to long-term nicotine dependence.

What are the ingredients in Zyn?

Zyn, manufactured by Swedish Match, consists of a few core components designed for consistent nicotine delivery. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco, which contains tobacco leaf and often higher levels of certain harmful compounds, Zyn uses pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt.

Core ingredients explained

According to the manufacturer and independent analysis, the main components are,:

Nicotine Bitartrate Dihydrate: This is the active ingredient, a pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt that provides the pouch's nicotine content.
Fillers: Microcrystalline cellulose, a plant-based fiber, is the primary filler. This gives the pouch its structure and helps control the release of nicotine,.
pH Adjusters: Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are used to create an alkaline environment that optimizes the absorption of nicotine into the bloodstream through the oral mucous membranes,.
Sweeteners: Acesulfame potassium and sucralose are FDA-approved, zero-calorie artificial sweeteners used to improve the flavor.
Flavorings: Food-grade natural and artificial flavorings are added for taste.
Binding and Stabilizing Agents: Hydroxypropyl cellulose and gum arabic act as binders and stabilizers to maintain the pouch's texture and consistency.
Preservative: Potassium sorbate is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Studies on harmful constituents in nicotine pouches

While Zyn does not contain tobacco leaf, several studies have investigated the presence of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs). A 2023 study published in the journal Tobacco Control, which included testing of Zyn products, detected low levels of certain compounds, including ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde, and nickel. The same study found that Zyn did not contain detectable levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are commonly found in traditional moist snuff.

Another analysis of nicotine pouches, cited by the American Lung Association, found cancer-causing chemicals in 26 out of 44 products tested. However, it is important to note that the presence of these trace elements does not automatically translate to a known level of risk, and more research on the long-term effects is needed.

The primary concern: Nicotine itself

Regardless of other constituents, the most significant harmful chemical in Zyn is nicotine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that nicotine is highly addictive and has serious health consequences, especially for adolescents and pregnant women.

Here are some of the known harmful effects of nicotine consumption, regardless of the delivery method:

Addiction: Nicotine is a powerfully addictive substance that can quickly lead to dependence, even with intermittent use. Withdrawal can cause irritability and other negative side effects.
Cardiovascular Issues: Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Oral Health Problems: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums. This can lead to gum recession, dry mouth, and an increased risk of periodontal disease over time.
Harmful to Brain Development: For young people, nicotine exposure can negatively impact parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Risk of Toxicity: Frequent use can lead to nicotine toxicity, causing symptoms like hiccups, nausea, and upset stomach.

Zyn vs. other nicotine products: A comparison of harmful chemicals

Comparing Zyn to other nicotine products reveals differences in chemical profiles, though no product is considered safe.


Feature	Zyn Nicotine Pouches	Traditional Moist Snuff	Cigarettes
Tobacco Leaf	No	Yes	Yes
Combustion Byproducts	No	No	Yes (Tar, Carbon Monoxide)
Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs)	Not detected in Zyn in a 2023 study	Present at higher levels	Present at varying levels
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)	Not detected in Zyn in a 2023 study	Present at higher levels	Yes, produced by combustion
Formaldehyde, Chromium, Ammonia, Nickel	Low levels detected in one study	Present at higher levels	Yes, present in smoke
Nicotine	Yes, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt	Yes, from tobacco leaf	Yes, delivered via smoke
Primary Danger	Nicotine addiction, oral health issues,	Cancer risk (oral, pancreatic), nicotine addiction	Lung cancer, heart disease, addiction

FDA authorization and regulation

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the marketing of several Zyn products. It is crucial to understand what this authorization means. It does not mean the product is considered safe or is "FDA approved." Instead, it concluded that allowing these products to be marketed is "appropriate for the protection of public health" because they are a less harmful option for adult smokers who would otherwise use more dangerous products. For young people or non-users, starting with Zyn is not recommended and carries risks.

The verdict on harmful chemicals in Zyn

While the ingredient list appears relatively clean compared to traditional tobacco products, the presence of trace elements and, most importantly, the highly addictive and harmful nature of nicotine itself mean that Zyn is not a risk-free product,. The long-term health effects are still being studied, especially concerning oral health impacts like gum recession and mouth sores,.

For anyone considering using Zyn, it's essential to recognize that it is a nicotine product designed to be addictive and is not intended for non-users. If you are looking to quit nicotine altogether, the American Lung Association and other health organizations recommend FDA-approved cessation aids, rather than switching from one nicotine product to another.

For more information on the dangers of nicotine and quitting tobacco, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Conclusion

Zyn pouches are free from tobacco leaf and the combustion byproducts found in cigarettes, making them a less harmful alternative for some adult users. However, they are not without risks. Studies have detected low levels of potentially harmful constituents, and the core ingredient—nicotine—is highly addictive and poses significant health risks, especially to developing brains. Nicotine consumption, whether via Zyn or another product, can lead to cardiovascular problems and oral health issues,. As research continues, the full long-term effects of Zyn will become clearer, but the current consensus from public health authorities is that no tobacco or nicotine product is entirely safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most harmful chemical in Zyn is nicotine itself. Nicotine is highly addictive and has known negative effects on the cardiovascular system and brain development, especially in young people.

While Zyn is tobacco-free, some studies have detected trace levels of certain carcinogens and other potentially harmful compounds, such as formaldehyde and nickel, though at much lower concentrations than found in traditional smokeless tobacco,.

Zyn is generally considered less harmful than cigarettes because it is tobacco-free and does not involve combustion, which produces harmful tar and carbon monoxide. However, this does not mean it is safe; it still delivers addictive nicotine.

The specific cancer risk from Zyn is not yet fully understood, and more research is needed. While it lacks the high levels of known carcinogens found in traditional tobacco, the presence of trace compounds and the long-term effects of nicotine exposure require further study,.

Common side effects include hiccups, mouth soreness, and an upset stomach, especially when first starting or if a high-nicotine pouch is used. Long-term use can lead to more serious issues like gum recession and nicotine addiction,.

No, Zyn pouches are tobacco-free. They contain a pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt derived separately from tobacco, along with other non-tobacco ingredients.

Nicotine is highly addictive regardless of its source. The nicotine in Zyn can lead to addiction just like nicotine from cigarettes, though the delivery method and speed of absorption differ.