An object of the present invention is to provide large-sized zinc oxide particles that show, when incorporated to a cosmetic product, excellent properties including transparency, infrared reflection, and the like without deteriorating the feel and also a cosmetic containing the same.The zinc oxide particles having an average particle diameter of 3 to 20 µm, an average friction coefficient of 3 or less, a total visible light transmittance of 85% or more, and a near-infrared reflectance of 80% or more.