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Zinc PCA
AKA “zinc pidolate, zinc pyroglutamate, Zinc, EINECS 239-473-5, UNII-C32PQ86DH4, Proline, zinc salt (2:1), ZINC PYRROLIDONE CARBOXYLATE”
Mineral
Ingredient Facts
Zinc pca
AKA: Zinc pidolate, Zinc pyroglutamate, EINECS 239-473-5, UNII-C32PQ86DH4, Proline, Zinc salt (2:1), ZINC PYRROLIDONE CARBOXYLATE
Mineral · Antimicrobial · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Preservative
Soothing
Astringent
Skin Conditioner
Amino Acid
Mineral
Clean
Zinc PCA helps skin retain moisture and supports a smoother, more balanced complexion by locking in hydration.
Formula
C10H12N2O6Zn
Mol. Weight
321.60
CAS #
68107-75-5, 15454-75-8
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Soothing
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation. Your skin's chill pill — great for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in modern skincare to provide bioavailable zinc for skin health. PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is derived from natural amino acids; this combination was created in the late 20th century to address oily skin and sebum control in cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
ewg-4
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
1%
0%1%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 1%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 24.
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
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Effect of a Hydrolyzed Collagen, Vitamin, and Zinc Containing Nutritional Supplement on Telogen Effluvium.
Arias EM, Manzanares S, Floriach N, Sarró E, Bravo E et al.
International journal of trichology, 2025
→
Green and eco-friendly biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Calendula officinalis flower extract: Wound healing potential and antioxidant ac
Aydin Acar C, Gencer MA, Pehlivanoglu S, Yesilot S, Donmez S
International wound journal, 2024
→
Green and eco-friendly biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Calendula officinalis flower extract: Wound healing potential and antioxidant ac
Aydin Acar C, Gencer MA, Pehlivanoglu S, Yesilot S, Donmez S
International wound journal, 2024
→
The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.
Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, Nascimento VM, Nouri K et al.
Dermatologic therapy, 2018
→
The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.
Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, Nascimento VM, Nouri K et al.
Dermatologic therapy, 2018
→
The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.
Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, Nascimento VM, Nouri K et al.
Dermatologic therapy, 2018
→
Efficacy of undecylenic acid-zinc undecylenate powder in culture positive tinea pedis.
Chretien JH, Esswein JG, Sharpe LM, Kiely JJ, Lyddon FE
International journal of dermatology, 1980
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Zinc Phenolsulfonate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Zinc Phenolsulfonate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Acetyl Proline
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ammonium Silver Zinc Aluminum Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ethylene/Zinc Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Lauroyl Proline
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Palmitoyl Proline
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Proline
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Cocoyl Proline
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Acetate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Ascorbate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Ascorbate Hydroxide
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Aspartate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Borosilicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Carbonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Carbonate Hydroxide
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Chloride
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Citrate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Coceth Sulfate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Coco-Sulfate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Cysteinate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Fructose Diphosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Gluconate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Glutamate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Glycinate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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Zinc Hexametaphosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Hydrolyzed Collagen
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Lactate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Lauroyl Aspartate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Myristate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Neodecanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Nitrate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Oxide
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Palmitate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc PCA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Phenolsulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Ricinoleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Salicylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Sulfate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Undecylenate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zinc Zeolite
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Probiotic, Paraprobiotic, and Hydrolyzed Yeast Mixture Supplementation Has Comparable Effects to Zinc Oxide in Improving Growth Performance and Amelio
Dang X, Choi SY, Choi YJ, Lee JH, Castex M et al.
Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins, 2024
→
Microstructural, Fluid Dynamic, and Mechanical Characterization of Zinc Oxide and Magnesium Chloride-Modified Hydrogel Scaffolds.
de Mello Innocentini MD, Fuzatto Bueno BR, Urbaś A, Morawska-Chochół A
ACS biomaterials science & engineering, 2024
→
Palmitoyl Proline
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EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
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Proline
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
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Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
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Zinc Acetate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Aspartate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Carbonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Carbonate Hydroxide
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Chloride
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Citrate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Coceth Sulfate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Gluconate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Glycinate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Hydrolyzed Collagen
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Lactate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Laurate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Myristate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Neodecanoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Oxide
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Palmitate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc PCA
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Phenolsulfonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Ricinoleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Sulfate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zinc Zeolite
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Use of Agave tequilana-lignin and zinc oxide nanoparticles for skin photoprotection.
Gutiérrez-Hernández JM, Escalante A, Murillo-Vázquez RN, Delgado E, González FJ et al.
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 2016
→
Zinc peroxide
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Biocompatible zinc oxide nanocrystals stabilized via hydroxyethyl cellulose for mitigation of diabetic complications.
Hussein J, El-Banna M, Razik TA, El-Naggar ME
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2018
→
Biofabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles using fruit extract of Rosa canina and their toxic potential against bacteria: A mechanistic approach.
Jafarirad S, Mehrabi M, Divband B, Kosari-Nasab M
Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications, 2016
→
Efficacy of zinc glycinate reducing zinc oxide on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli.
Jang KB, Moita VHC, Martinez N, Sokale A, Kim SW
Journal of animal science, 2023
→
The clinical and microbiological efficacy of a zinc-citrate/hydroxyapatite/potassium-citrate containing toothpaste: a double-blind randomized controll
Josic U, Maravic T, Mazzitelli C, Rinaldi L, D'Alessandro C et al.
Clinical oral investigations, 2024
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"Green"-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and plant extracts: A comparison between synthesis processes and antihyperglycemic activity.
Kambale EK, Katemo FM, Quetin-Leclercq J, Memvanga PB, Beloqui A
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2023
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Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.
Liu H, Yu H, Xia J, Liu L, Liu GJ et al.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2020
→
Targeted Delivery of Zinc Pyrithione to Skin Epithelia.
Sean E Mangion, Amy M Holmes, Michael S Roberts
International journal of molecular sciences, 2021
→
Targeted Delivery of Zinc Pyrithione to Skin Epithelia.
Sean E Mangion, Amy M Holmes, Michael S Roberts
International journal of molecular sciences, 2021
→
Antimicrobial effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of apple with and without zinc oxide nanoparticles on Streptococcus Mutans.
Mehrabkhani M, Movahhed T, Arefnezhad M, Hamedi S, Faramarzian F
European journal of translational myology, 2023
→
The Influence of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Stearate on the Antimicrobial Activity of Coatings Containing Raspberry and Chokeberry Extracts.
Mizielińska M, Bartkowiak A
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2024
→
Extracellular synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticle using seaweeds of gulf of Mannar, India.
Nagarajan S, Arumugam Kuppusamy K
Journal of nanobiotechnology, 2013
→
Impact of Dietary Zinc Chloride Hydroxide and Zinc Methionine on the Faecal Microbiota of Healthy Adult Horses and Ponies.
Paßlack N, van Bömmel-Wegmann S, Vahjen W, Zentek J
Journal of equine veterinary science, 2022
→
Zinc Phosphate Nanoparticles: A Review on Physical, Chemical, and Biological Synthesis and their Applications.
Sadeghi-Aghbash M, Rahimnejad M
Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 2022
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Sahebnasagh M, Aksi V, Eslami F, Lashkardoost H, Kasaian J et al.
European journal of medical research, 2023
→
Combating Lead/HFD Neurotoxicity in Rats: The Synergistic Effect of 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.
Saleh SR, Atef E, Maher AM, Ghareeb DA, Sheta E et al.
Biological trace element research, 2026
→
A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium ...
Samantha L Schneider, Henry W Lim
Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 2019
→
Zinc Borate Hydrolysis.
Schubert DM
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2022
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Fiume M, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Co-pyrolysis of sunflower-oil cake with potassium carbonate and zinc oxide using plasma torch to produce bio-fuels.
Shie JL, Chang CC, Chang CY, Tzeng CC, Wu CY et al.
Bioresource technology, 2011
→
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle as a Novel Class of Antifungal Ag...
Qi Sun, Jianmei Li, Tao Le
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 2018
→
Preparation of porous antibacterial polyamide 6 (PA6) membrane with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles selectively localized at the pore walls via reactiv
Tang Q, Wang K, Ren X, Zhang Q, Lei W et al.
The Science of the total environment, 2020
→
Zinc Phenolsulfonate.
Tucker R, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
→
Sustained release of magnesium and zinc ions synergistica...
Fan Yang, Yijia Xue, Feilong Wang, Danni Guo, Yunjiao He, Xiao Zhao + 4 more
Bioactive materials, 2023
→
Spindle-Like Zinc Silicate Nanoparticles Accelerating Innervated and Vascularized Skin Burn Wound Healing.
Zhang H, Ma W, Ma H, Qin C, Chen J et al.
Advanced healthcare materials, 2022
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR