Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday.
Catalog Number | CI-SC-1149 |
Product Name | Zinc PCA |
CAS | 68107-75-5 |
Structure | ![]() |
Synonyms | Bis(5-oxo-DL-prolinato-N1,O2)zinc |
IUPAC Name | 5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;zinc |
Molecular Weight | 321.6 g/mol |
Molecular Formula | C10H12N2O6Zn |
InChI | InChI=1S/2C5H7NO3.Zn/c2*7-4-2-1-3(6-4)5(8)9;/h2*3H,1-2H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9) |
InChI Key | QPSRGCPRSIPBIB-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
Purity | 0.98 |
Appearance | Solid |
Isomeric SMILES | C1CC(=O)NC1C(=O)O.C1CC(=O)NC1C(=O)O.[Zn] |
Zinc PCA, a zinc salt derived from L-Pyrrolidone 5-carboxylic acid (PCA), plays a pivotal role in skincare due to its multiple beneficial properties. This compound, appearing as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder, is easily soluble in water, making it suitable for various water-based formulations. It significantly enhances the skin's hydration by supporting the moisture-binding capabilities of the epidermis, largely through its impact on the metabolism of Filaggrin, a critical epidermal protein. Zinc PCA effectively suppresses sebum production by inhibiting 5-α reductase activity, which helps manage hyper-seborrhea, and reduces body odor by forming complexes with short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, it demonstrates anti-aging benefits by mitigating wrinkle formation through AP-1 inhibition and offers antibacterial effects, particularly against Propionibacterium acnes, a common acne-causing bacterium. Its synergistic relationship with Piroctone Olamine makes it especially beneficial for treating seborrheic dermatitis. Frequently incorporated in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1.0%, Zinc PCA is a popular ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos, oil-control products, and anti-acne skincare formulations.
What is Zinc PCA, and what are its primary functions in skincare?
Zinc PCA is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder that serves as the zinc salt of L-Pyrrolidone 5-carboxylic acid (PCA). It acts as a natural moisturizing factor due to its amino acid type nature and is easily soluble in water. In skincare, it primarily functions by providing exceptional dermal hydration and enhancing the skin's moisture-binding capacity. It also plays a significant role in the metabolism of Filaggrin, a crucial protein in the epidermis, by converting its metabolites into natural moisturizing factors, thereby attracting water molecules and boosting skin hydration.
How does Zinc PCA help in controlling sebum production and acne?
Zinc PCA helps control sebum production by inhibiting the activity of 5-α reductase, an enzyme involved in sebum secretion, making it beneficial for individuals with hyper-seborrhea. Its antibacterial properties also include the ability to inhibit the growth of acne-related bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes, thereby contributing to clearer skin.
Can Zinc PCA be used to address signs of aging such as wrinkles?
Yes, Zinc PCA can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting AP-1, a factor involved in skin aging. This helps in maintaining a smoother and more youthful complexion.
Is Zinc PCA effective in controlling body odor?
Zinc PCA can suppress body odor by forming zinc salts with short-chain fatty acids, thereby reducing the intensity of odor-causing compounds.
Are there any specific conditions that Zinc PCA targets when used in skincare and personal care products?
Zinc PCA is widely used in products targeting seborrheic dermatitis when paired with Piroctone Olamine due to their synergistic effects. It is also a common ingredient in antidandruff shampoos, oil control cosmetics, and anti-acne formulations. The concentration of Zinc PCA in such products typically ranges from 0.1% to 1.0%, depending on the formulation type.
In what types of products is Zinc PCA commonly found?
Zinc PCA is commonly found in antidandruff shampoos, oil control cosmetics, and anti-acne products due to its versatile benefits, which include controlling sebum production, inhibiting bacterial growth, and enhancing skin hydration.