What is zinc PCA?

Sodium L-pyrrolidone carboxylate (L-PCA-Na) is a core component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and a key component of the stratum corneum. It provides highly effective and long-lasting hydration by mimicking the skin's own moisturizing system, promoting skin barrier repair, and maintaining healthy skin hydration levels.

Zinc pyrrolidone carboxylate (PCA-Zn) replaces sodium ions with bioavailable zinc ions, forming a multifunctional active ingredient that combines moisturizing and powerful antibacterial effects. Scientific research has confirmed that zinc ions can effectively inhibit the activity of 5α-reductase, thereby reducing sebum secretion at its source. Zinc also plays an irreplaceable role in human physiological metabolism: it supports DNA synthesis, cell division, protein biosynthesis, and the catalytic activity of various metalloenzymes, thus being crucial for maintaining normal skin cell renewal and metabolic balance.

PCA-Zn is a widely used cosmetic active ingredient that combines oil control, acne treatment, and moisturizing effects, making it especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps restore the skin's ideal oil-water balance by regulating sebum secretion, inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, and replenishing the skin's natural moisturizing factors. PCA-Zn is highly safe and gentle, suitable for most skin types, and can be safely used in the formulation of daily skincare products.

Product Advantages:

Oil control, antibacterial, and moisturizing all in one.
Gentle and safe with strong formula compatibility.
Widely applicable to lotions, serums, masks, cleansers, and scalp care products.

Our Services and Guarantees:

Sample application support: Small sample testing available for convenient formula verification.
Third-party testing: Authoritative testing reports available to support product quality.
In-house factory production: Years of production experience, mature and stable processes.
Advanced equipment: Ensures batch consistency and product purity.
Stable delivery capability: Strictly control production cycles for on-time delivery.
Flexible pricing system: Tiered discounts based on order quantity.

Test report

ITEM		STANDARD	TEST RESULT
PCA		78.3% to 82.3% (on dried basis)	79.42%
Zn		19.4% to 21.3% (on dried basis)	19.73%
Physical & Chemical
Appearance		Almost White Powder	Complies
PH ( 10% aqueous )		5.0-6.0	5.71
Loss on Drying		≤5.0%	3.40%
Solubility		Soluble in water, propylene glycol, ethanol	Complies
Heavy Metal
Total Heavy Metals		≤10ppm	<10ppm
As		≤2.0ppm	<2.0ppm
Pb		≤2.0ppm	<2.0ppm
Cd		≤0.5ppm	<0.5ppm
Microbiological Test
Total Plate Count		≤1,000cfu/g	<10cfu/g
Mold and Yeast		≤100cfu/g	<10cfu/g
E.Coli		≤10cfu/g	<0.3cfu/g
Salmonella		Negative	Negative
Staphylococcus		Negative	Negative
Conclusion	Conform with specification
Storage	Store in cool and dry places. Keep away from strong light and heat
Packing	By 25kgs/Drum, inner by double plastic bag
Shelf Life	24 months under the above condition,and in it's original package

Product Details Table

Product Name	PCA-Zn	CAS	15454-75-8
MF	C10H12N2O6Zn	MW	321.6211
Zinc rich ability	19.4-21.3%
Solubility	Water-soluble

Product Function

Regulating Sebum Secretion, Reducing Excessive Oil Production at the Source

The zinc ions in PCA zinc can effectively inhibit the activity of 5α-reductase in the skin, a key enzyme that stimulates excessive sebum secretion from sebaceous glands. By blocking this pathway, zinc ions can directly reduce the secretion intensity of sebaceous glands and shrink their volume, thereby reducing the total amount of oil on the skin surface. For oily skin, combination skin, and those prone to oiliness in hot summer environments, this effect can significantly improve the oily and sticky state of the face, reducing problems such as clogged pores, increased blackheads, and recurring closed comedones caused by oil accumulation, keeping the skin fresh and clear for a long time.

Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial, Gently Improving Acne and Redness

Zinc possesses clear anti-inflammatory and antibacterial biological activities. On the one hand, it can downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, reducing redness, swelling, heat, pain, and inflammatory reactions caused by acne; on the other hand, it can disrupt the cell membrane structure of Propionibacterium acnes, inhibiting its proliferation and colonization, and reducing the incidence of inflammatory acne caused by bacterial infection. In clinical applications, PCA zinc has a stable auxiliary effect in improving mild to moderate acne. It also regulates normal keratin metabolism, preventing keratin plugs from clogging pores and reducing the formation of blackheads and closed comedones from multiple angles.

Strengthening the Skin Barrier for Long-Lasting Moisturizing and Water-Oil Balance
PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a core component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), possessing excellent hygroscopic and water-locking capabilities. It can increase the moisture content of the stratum corneum, improving dry and rough skin. Simultaneously, zinc ions participate in the synthesis of skin barrier lipids, promote normal differentiation of keratinocytes, strengthen intercellular connections, and reduce transepidermal water loss. For those with oily skin on the surface but dry underneath, fragile skin barriers, or mildly sensitive skin, PCA zinc can replenish moisture while controlling oil, achieving true water-oil balance and relieving discomfort such as tightness and peeling.

Synergistic Antioxidant Effect for Enhanced Skin Stability and Smoothness
Zinc is an important cofactor for many endogenous skin antioxidant enzymes, capable of scavenging free radicals, reducing cell damage caused by oxidative stress, and delaying dullness and roughness caused by oxidation. In the formulation system, PCA zinc can be well combined with common skin care active ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid to achieve multiple effects such as oil control, unclogging pores, and soothing and repairing, thereby improving the overall efficacy and skin feel of the formula. Long-term use can make the skin more delicate, smooth, and stable.

Application Areas

Used to control excessive sebum secretion, prevent clogged pores, and effectively prevent pimples. Anti-bacteria, fungus. It can be used in skin care, hair care, sunscreen products, make-up, etc.

Antibacterial foam, cleansing lotion, oil-control cleansing gel/milk, men's cleansing milk; oily skin conditioning milk/cream, conditioning cleansing mask, men's oil-control cream, anti-hair loss care shampoo, oil-control conditioner, etc.

Recommended addition amount 1-3%

Skin care (cream, lotion, shower gel, etc.) Inhibition of sebum, anti-aging: 0.1-3.0%

Hair care (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) control scalp sebum and dandruff: 0.2-2.0%

Sunscreen (cream, lotion, gel, etc.) control sebum and moisturizing: 0.1-3.0%

Makeup (lipstick, blush, shadow, etc.) control sebum, brightness control: 0.1-2.0%

Company introduction and certificates obtained

Shaanxi Yuantai Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established in 2014, mainly supplying herbal extracts, functional cosmetic raw materials, organic products, etc. We have our own factories, R&D and quality inspection teams, and have the conditions for development, production, and quality assurance. At present, we have obtained ISO9001, ISO22000, HALAL, KOSHER, HACCP, FDA and other certificates. Therefore, the quality of our products is guaranteed, and it is our original intention to bring high-quality products to customers.

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