Zinc PCA is a water-soluble cosmetic active for balanced-looking skin, a less-shiny finish and comfortable hydration. Combining zinc with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), it fits lightweight serums, toners, gels, emulsions, cleansers and scalp-care systems.
- Supports oil-balance, mattifying and blemish-prone-skin cosmetic concepts.
- Water-soluble format for measured aqueous-phase incorporation.
- Fits skin-care, cleansing and scalp-care product development.
Product Specifications
|
Specification |
Value |
|
INCI |
Zinc PCA |
|
Chemical identity |
Zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (zinc pidolate) |
|
Assay / zinc content |
99% |
|
CAS number |
15454-75-8 [R1-R3] |
|
Molecular formula |
C10H12N2O6Zn [R1] |
Key Benefits
- Balanced-looking, less-shiny skin. Supports cosmetic formulas designed for oily, combination or shine-prone skin.
- PCA-linked conditioning. Adds a skin-conditioning and moisture-support story without positioning the ingredient as a harsh degreaser.
- Lightweight formulation utility. Its water-soluble nature suits toners, serums, gels, cleansers and low-residue scalp systems.
Typical Applications
- Oil-balance and mattifying facial serums or toners
- Lightweight moisturizers for combination or shine-prone skin
- Cosmetic blemish-prone-skin cleansers and gels
- Scalp tonics, shampoos and root-freshness concepts
- Deodorant-support formulas with a validated preservation system
Quick Formulation Guide
|
Parameter |
Development guidance |
|
use level |
0.1-1%; |
|
Solubility / phase |
Commonly water-soluble and incorporated through the aqueous phase [R7, R8] |
|
Temperature |
Comparable guidance adds below 60-70 C; a cooler post-emulsification step may reduce process stress when the system allows [R7] |
|
pH approach |
Comparable grades are commonly managed around pH 4-6 and below pH 7 to reduce alkaline precipitation risk [R7, R8] |
|
Compatibility |
Screen phosphate/carbonate buffers, strong chelators, anionic materials and electrolyte-sensitive thickeners for haze, precipitate or viscosity loss [R8, R10] |
Why Source From Us
- Start with samples scale to bulk orders – one supplier from trial to production: Validate with lab samples, then scale to commercial volumes – same quality, same team. No re-qualification, no project delays.
- Formulation support that actually helps – not just a data sheet: We give you hands-on guidance on solubility, temperature, pH, and compatibility. A real formulation partner, not a catalog.
- Reliable supply chain – consistent quality, on-time delivery, batch after batch: Own manufacturing facilities plus long-term partnerships with audited upstream producers ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Full documentation with every shipment. No "sample passes, bulk fails"
- Export-ready documentation – compliance, customs, cleared：Complete technical documentation packages – COA, MSDS, TDS, stability data – batch-specific and regulatory-ready. We handle the paperwork so your compliance and procurement teams can focus on formulation
Recommended Ingredient Pairings
|
Recommended ingredient |
Why it pairs well |
Product concept |
Compatibility note |
|
Adds barrier, tone and broad skin-conditioning support |
Daily oil-balance serum or gel-cream |
Choose a shared pH window and test clarity, viscosity and total electrolyte load |
|
|
Builds an exfoliation-plus-oil-balance concept |
Blemish-prone-skin cleanser or targeted serum |
Control pH, solubilization, irritation and destination-market limits; validate the complete system |
|
|
Adds humectant hydration to a lightweight formula |
Hydrating mattifying gel or serum |
Check hydration method, viscosity and salt response after Zinc PCA addition |
|
|
Supports comfort and scalp/skin conditioning |
Gentle cleanser, scalp tonic or balancing moisturizer |
Verify shared process temperature, preservation and complete-formula stability |
Research & References
[R1] PubChem Compound Summary: Zinc Pidolate
[R4] CIR: Safety Assessment of PCA and Its Salts
[R5] CIR: Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts
[R6] Solabia: Zincidone
[R7] The Formulator Shop: Zinc PCA
[R8] Alexmo Cosmetics: Zinc PCA
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