Ingredient glossary
Zinc PCA
INCI: Zinc PCA · Also: Zinc L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate
Solid and proven
Does Zinc PCA clash with what you already use? Check it →A genuinely useful ingredient with real evidence behind it, not hype.
What it does
- sebum regulation
- anti acne
- anti inflammatory
moderate evidenceSmall controlled trials and mechanistic work at around one percent show significant reductions in sebum output and inhibitory effects on acne associated bacteria and AP1 signaling.
On a label: usually effective at 0.5-1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- oily
- acne prone
- combo
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
Plays well with
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Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.