Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Zinc pidolate, Zinc pyroglutamate, Proline, Zinc salt (2:1), ZINC PYRROLIDONE CARBOXYLATE, ZINC L-PYROGLUTAMATE
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Amino Acid
Not Clean
Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt
Formula
C10H12N2O6Zn
Mol. Weight
321.60
CAS #
68107-75-5, 15454-75-8
Form
Powder
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.
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.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR