What Is Zinc PCA, and What Does It Do For Your Skin?
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The ingredients in our skin care matter — the right mix of them is what makes any product effective. While the specific formulations are left up to the scientists and chemists behind the scenes, it's important for us to have a handle on what ingredients can help our own unique (and sometimes finicky) complexions. Whether your skin type is dry, oily, normal, or some other combination, knowing what works for you specifically can be the deciding factor in whether or not you deal with skin-care concerns like acne, rosacea, or contact dermatitis.
On the other hand, using the right ingredients for you can result in glowy, well-hydrated, healthy skin — and if we had to guess, we'd say that's on most people's wish lists.
To keep you well-informed, here, we're introducing you to Zinc PCA, a rising star in the skin-care world. If you haven't heard of it yet, don't worry. Although it's already a prominent ingredient in moisturizers, masks, and more, a lot of people aren't familiar with it. It's a powerhouse ingredient often used to help fight acne and reduce redness and inflammation; plus, it also has anti-aging benefits.
Ahead, learn what to know about Zinc PCA and what it can do for your skin, straight from an expert.
— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez
What Is Zinc PCA?
"Zinc PCA, otherwise known as zinc salt, is the salt of the pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA)," Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, tells PS. "PCA is a natural molecule found in the outermost layer of skin." Most of the PCA in skin-care formulations is synthetically made, but it can also be derived from oils and certain plants, she adds.
What Does Zinc PCA Do For Skin?
"Zinc PCA has been found to help treat pimples and reduce sebum secretion and redness, in addition to moisturizing the skin," Dr. Engelman says. "Similar to hyaluronic acid, it is a humectant that is used as a hydrating ingredient." This means that Zinc PCA can help hold the water in your skin rather than letting it evaporate.
Zinc PCA is also a preventative ingredient for skin aging, as it aids in the healing process and counteracts the degradation of collagen (what gives skin its plumpness and elasticity).
What Kind of Products Use Zinc PCA?
Zinc PCA is popular in acne-fighting formulas. You'll find it in a range of clarifying products, from moisturizers like Typology Paris Purifying Moisturizer ($40) to masks like Paula's Choice Purifying Clay Mask ($29) to spot treatments like Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask ($20). Dr. Engelman adds that it's even used in haircare products to add moisture to the hair and scalp.
Is There Any Downside to Using Zinc PCA?
As Dr. Engelman explains, since PCA is naturally occurring in the body, most people have no adverse reaction to using it in a topical form — so it's OK for all skin types. But as with other powerful and effective ingredients in skin care, consider moderation. "Large doses of zinc PCA can be drying, but Zinc PCA usually does not negatively impact the normal function of the skin barrier or hydration since PCA is a humectant," says Dr. Engelman. If your Zinc PCA–infused product of choice is creating some dryness, she recommends layering a thick moisturizer on top.
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.