What it is
Zinc PCA combines zinc with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a natural moisturizing factor component, giving it both humectant and conditioning properties. It is commonly used in formulas aimed at oilier or combination skin, where it is valued for a mattifying, sebum-balancing reputation. In sunscreens it appears as a supporting conditioning ingredient at low levels.
Safety & warnings
Zinc PCA is used at low concentrations and is generally well tolerated, with a low expected potential for irritation.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; it is produced as the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, the latter being a naturally occurring component of skin's moisturizing factor.
Questions everyone asks
What does zinc PCA do?
It works as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent and is often used in products for oilier skin for its sebum-balancing reputation.
Is zinc PCA a UV filter like zinc oxide?
No. Despite containing zinc, it is a conditioning ingredient and does not provide UV protection the way zinc oxide does.