9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
moisturizer · sebum regulator · antimicrobial agent · skin conditioning agent
Zinc Pca
Also known as: Zinc pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, Zinc PCA
Molecular Formula
C10H20O2
Molecular Weight
172.26 g/mol
Category
Zinc compound
Bottom Line: Zinc PCA is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and supplements, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other topical treatments
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to zinc compounds
- you experience irritation or redness
- you are using products with conflicting active ingredients
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H20O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 172.26 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 241.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 1 ml 50% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.6 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, moisturizers. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Dietary supplements, fortified foods. Safe in regulated amounts; consult a healthcare provider.
Supplement
Zinc supplements, multivitamins. Use as directed; excessive intake may cause side effects.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Zinc PCA is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of Zinc PCA is typically safe in moderate amounts but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Limited data exists on the inhalation safety of Zinc PCA; caution is advised.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Zinc PCA is generally safe for eye contact, though irritation may occur in sensitive individuals.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to ingredients may lead to adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.
- sensitive_skin — May experience irritation; patch testing is advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe when used in moderation.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate Zinc PCA well, with minimal side effects. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Pregnant individuals should use caution with supplements and consult healthcare providers. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to ingredients; use with care. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally safe, but limited data on high doses during lactation. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Zinc PCA is recognized for its skin benefits and safety in cosmetics and supplements.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Zinc PCA is recognized for its skin benefits and safety in cosmetics and supplements.
- Effective in controlling sebum production.
- Generally well-tolerated in topical applications.
- Supports skin health and may reduce acne.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Zinc PCA
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Zinc PCA is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Zinc PCA
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Zinc PCA is safe for cosmetic use; no significant risks identified.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Zinc Compounds
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Zinc PCA is safe for food use within established limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Zinc PCA is permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Zinc PCA is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should patch test first.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with Zinc PCA during pregnancy.
Zinc PCA helps control oil production and may reduce acne breakouts.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:33:59.965636Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.