Zinc PCA is used in a multitude of facial care products, particularly for blemished skin. What is the purpose of Zinc PCA? We provide some clarification on this element. Learn to recognise the ingredients used in various treatments in order to use them with full knowledge of their effects.
What is "Zinc PCA" and what is its utility?
Published on March 20, 2025, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 2 min of reading
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What is Zinc PCA?
Zinc is an essential trace element for the body. It is found in meat as well as in certain plants after fermentation. A deficiency in zinc would exacerbate inflammatory phenomena. It is included in skincare products in various forms such as zinc oxide, zinc gluconate, or zinc PCA.
Zinc PCA is composed of zinc and PCA (L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), which is used as a moisturising agent in skincare. Indeed, the role of PCA is to enhance the absorption of zinc by the skin while promoting its hydration.
What is the usefulness of zinc PCA?
Zinc PCA, an active sebum-regulating agent, helps to regulate sebum production and thus prevent imperfections. Zinc PCA is also known to limit the growth of microorganisms such as Propionibacterium Acnes. This bacterium is present in excess in acne-prone skin.
Recommended for skin prone to blemishes, zinc PCA reduces inflammation, regulates sebum production, and limits bacterial proliferation. Zinc PCA is known to be gentle and is thus suitable for sensitive skin. It also helps to refine pores.
