The Index · Zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid

Zinc PCA

Zinc salt paired with niacinamide in sebum- and texture-focused serums; evidence is moderate and often combination-based.

LimitedPlausible zinc pharmacology; few robust monotherapy RCTs for Zinc PCA itself.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated18 Sept 2026

Sources1 cited

Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (a natural moisturising factor component). It is widely paired with niacinamide in leave-on serums aimed at shine and texture[1].

What it does

Zinc ions contribute antimicrobial and sebum-modulating claims; PCA adds humectant character. Most consumer evidence sits inside combination formulas rather than zinc PCA alone[1].

The evidence

Zinc’s role in inflammatory acne care is better documented systemically and as salts generally than as PCA specifically; cosmetic literature supports sebum and odour claims at a moderate/limited level[1].

How to use it

Common at ~1% alongside 5–10% niacinamide. Not a substitute for benzoyl peroxide or retinoids in inflammatory acne.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Helps control visible oiliness in leave-on serums[1]

Often studied or marketed with niacinamide.

Limited

Zinc salts can support antimicrobial/sebum-related care[1]

Evidence stronger for zinc class than PCA salt specifically.

Moderate

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

leave-on — Used at low single-digit percentages; avoid eye contact. Zinc compounds generally well tolerated topically. CA US EU UK

Sources · 1

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatology Research and Practice (2014)doi:10.1155/2014/709152

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk