Zinc PCA

What is it?

Zinc PCA (zinc salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a water-soluble zinc salt used in skincare and haircare for its sebum-regulating and antimicrobial properties.

What does it do?

Commonly used to help regulate sebum production, particularly on the scalp and oily skin. A prospective cohort clinical study found a Zinc PCA-containing scalp gel, combined with salicylic acid and piroctone olamine, improved symptoms of moderate-to-severe seborrheic dermatitis, a condition linked to sebum secretion and skin microbiota dysbiosis.

Who may benefit?

• May help with: Acne & Congestion

Ingredients it works with

• Niacinamide — Works well together

  Niacinamide and zinc both support sebum regulation and are commonly combined for oily/acne-prone routines via complementary mechanisms.

  Frequently formulated together in oil-control serums.

Real products containing this

• 10% Niacinamide + NAG + Succinic + Zinc — Skin Functional
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — The Ordinary

Sources