Zinc pyrrolidone carboxylate (Zinc PCA)

Zinc pyrrolidone carboxylate, commonly known as Zinc PCA, is a water-soluble zinc salt formed by combining the essential trace mineral zinc with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a naturally occurring amino acid component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. It functions primarily in skincare by regulating sebum production through inhibition of sebaceous gland activity, reducing excess oil that contributes to acne and clogged pores. Zinc PCA exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties that soothe redness and irritation from breakouts, alongside antibacterial effects that limit proliferation of acne-causing bacteria like *Propionibacterium acnes*. Additionally, it provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced collagen degradation, supports wound healing, enhances skin hydration via PCA's humectant action, and promotes collagen synthesis to combat photoaging and intrinsic skin aging. While zinc itself plays broader roles in cellular functions like immune response and enzyme catalysis, Zinc PCA is not a biological receptor, enzyme, or transporter but a synthetic compound optimized for topical dermatological use in oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. No systemic drugs target it as a therapeutic molecule, limiting its context to cosmetic applications rather than pharmaceutical intervention.

Other names

Zinc PCAzinc saltpyrrolidone carboxylic acid zinc saltAJIDEW ZN-100