zinc PCA

Zinc PCA (Zinc PCA) – Sebum-regulating active ingredient for skin & scalp

Zinc PCA is a multifunctional active ingredient valued in natural cosmetics for its sebum-regulating, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. The combination of zinc and Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) has antibacterial properties, strengthens the skin barrier and helps with blemishes, oily scalp and irritated skin.

Origin & Production

Zinc PCA is derived from a plant source—specifically, sugar beet. The pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) it contains is a natural component of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) , the skin's own moisture system. Combined with zinc, it creates an effective, skin-identical zinc salt that is highly biocompatible.

Zinc PCA is therefore 100% plant-based and suitable for use in certified natural cosmetics.

Effect on skin and scalp

✅ Sebum-regulating & antibacterial

Zinc PCA reduces sebum production, which is particularly helpful for oily or combination skin, or oily hairlines. At the same time, it inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria (e.g., Cutibacterium acnes ), thus supporting the treatment of blemished skin and hormonally-induced acne.

✅ Moisture-binding

PCA as a component of zinc. PCA is part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. It binds water in the stratum corneum, helping to keep the skin supple and elastic – without drying it out.

✅ Skin barrier strengthening

Zinc PCA stimulates lipid formation in the epidermis (top layer of skin) and improves the structure and organization of skin lipids – essential for a strong, resilient skin barrier.

Application for scalp & hair

Zinc PCA is not only an effective active ingredient for impure skin, but also for problem areas on the scalp:

soothes irritated or itchy scalp
inhibits oily dandruff
regulates sebum production at the hairline
strengthens the hair structure of weakened or dull hair

Zinc PCA is therefore ideal in formulations for soothing scalp serums, clarifying shampoos or anti-dandruff care.

Who is Zinc PCA suitable for?

for impure, oily or combination skin
for inflammatory acne or hormonal impurities
for oily dandruff or irritated, oily scalp
for seborrhoea, perioral dermatitis or puberty acne
for hair loss due to excessive sebum production

Areas of application

Zinc PCA is used in:

light moisturizers for impure or oily skin
clarifying facial toners or serums
mild anti-dandruff shampoos
soothing scalp care
Care products for acne or seborrhea

Conclusion

Zinc PCA is a highly compatible, multifunctional active ingredient from a plant source that moisturizes, soothes the skin and scalp, and balances sebum production. In natural cosmetics, zinc PCA is ideal for the care of oily, blemished, or irritated skin – gentle yet effective.

Dieser Wirkstoff hat bei Codecheck.info die Bestnote "100% grüner Ring" erhalten. Codecheck.info ist eine neutrale Plattform für Produktbewertungen auf der Basis von Ökotest und aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Studien. Durch Eingabe der Bezeichnung aus der List of Ingredients (INCI) - kann die Bewertung des Inhaltsstoffes recherchiert werden.