Ingredient Directory
Low to MediumVegan

Zinc PCA

Zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid

Safety Flags
Allergen: None identified in source checked
Safety Notes

Zinc salt of PCA. Claims around acne treatment or sebum reduction need evidence and wording review.

Function & Common Use

Function

Skin conditioning / Sebum control support / Humectant

Category

Sebum Support Active

Common In

Oily skin serums, acne prone moisturisers, scalp products, deodorants

Origin

Synthetic / Nature identical

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit verified

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No cosmetic maximum identified in source checked

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit verified

Korea (MFDS)

No limit verified

Format restriction: Leave on active; aggregate zinc exposure review needed

Baby restriction: Not recommended as active in baby products

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified; assess full formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zinc PCA safe to use in skincare?

Zinc PCA has a High concern rating. Zinc salt of PCA. Claims around acne treatment or sebum reduction need evidence and wording review.

Is Zinc PCA allowed in India?

Zinc PCA is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No limit verified.

What is Zinc PCA used for in cosmetics?

Zinc PCA functions as: Skin conditioning / Sebum control support / Humectant. It is commonly found in: Oily skin serums, acne prone moisturisers, scalp products, deodorants.

Can Zinc PCA cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Zinc PCA has an allergen flag (None identified in source checked). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Zinc PCA safe for babies?

Zinc PCA has baby/child restrictions: Not recommended as active in baby products. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low to Medium
Data Confidence
Medium
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Not specifically restricted in source checked
EU
No Annex restriction identified in source checked; final inventory verification required
US FDA
No specific cosmetic restriction identified in source checked; acne treatment claims not permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; functional claim review may apply
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic use only; acne treatment claims may trigger therapeutic review
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in NHPID source checked

EU Annex: Not identified

Identifiers

CAS15454-75-8
EC239-473-5

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