Is Zinc PCA safe in cosmetics?
Zinc PCA has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Zinc PCA
INCI: ZINC PCA
Zinc PCA (CAS 15454-75-8) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Sebum regulator; antimicrobial; astringent; humectant (PCA moiety);. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted, max 0.5–2%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 15454-75-8 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Zinc PCA is classified GHS Danger (H318) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics at max 0.5–2%.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status/eu_max; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Sebum regulator; antimicrobial; astringent; humectant (PCA moiety); keratinocyte-supporting trace mineral; cofactor for superoxide dismutase and matrix metalloproteinases; acne-control active
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
EU Max Conc.
0.5–2%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No FDA restriction; used in OTC acne aids as zinc source; not subject to sunscreen monograph.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Zinc PCA.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Zinc PCA, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
1-4%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
327.7 Da
Log P
-2.8
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
0.5-2%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: Int J Cosmet Sci 2012
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10 - 100 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "pore-minimizing, anti-inflammatory", "mechanism_of_action": "Cofactor for enzymatic reactions, antioxidant activity", "target_skin_layer": "epidermis", "collagen_stimulation": "Mild", "elastin_protection": "Mild", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "5-10", "clinical_study_duration_weeks": "12", "sample_size": "30", "double_blind": "Yes", "placebo_controlled": "Yes", "published_journal"…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "15454-75-8", "ingredient_class": "other", "primary_mechanism": "barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_inhibit…
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "mid-range", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "35", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "65", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "0", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "0", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "Global", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "50", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "specialty", "substitute_ingredients": "Niacinamide, Sa…
deodorant
{"cas_number": "15454-75-8", "ingredient_class": "antimicrobial_deodorant", "mechanism_of_action": "bacterial_growth_inhibition", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "12-24", "odor_reduction_pct": "40-60", "bacteriostatic": "yes", "bactericidal": "yes", "target_bacteria": "broad_spectrum", "microbiome_impact": "selective", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "…
depigmentation
{"cas_number": "15454-75-8", "ingredient_class": "other", "primary_mechanism_of_action": "Mineral active providing UV protection or exfoliation preventing/treating hyperpigmentation", "secondary_mechanisms": "Variable", "molecular_target": "other", "tyrosinase_inhibition_IC50_uM": "varies", "tyrosinase_inhibition_type": "competitive", "melanin_reduction_pct_in_vitro": "25-45", "melanin_reduction_p…
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "327.7", "log_p_value": "-2.8", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum", "absorption_pct": "1-4", "systemic_absorption": "minimal", "penetration_enhancer": "no", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "strengthens", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "0.5-2", "safety_margin_factor": "low", "source": "Int …
interactions
{"ingredient_2": "Salicylic Acid", "interaction_type": "synergistic", "severity": "beneficial", "effect": "Sebum control + exfoliation, comprehensive acne treatment", "recommendation": "Compatible; addresses multiple acne factors", "data_source": "Formulation science literature, dermatological research, cosmetic chemistry best practices", "last_updated": "2026-03-05"}
mineral_clay
{"cas_number": "15454-75-8", "ingredient_class": "zinc_compound", "chemical_formula": "Zn pyrrolidone carboxylate", "mineral_origin": "synthetic", "particle_size_range_um": "0.1-10", "surface_area_m2_per_g": "10-50", "crystal_structure": "amorphous", "color_appearance": "white", "opacity": "opaque", "refractive_index": "1.55", "oil_absorption_g_per_100g": "50-120", "water_absorption_capacity": "lo…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Anti-dandruff
Biocide
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Zinc PCA.
Regulatory Flags
sebum-regulator
acne-control
antimicrobial
nmf-component
trace-mineral
keratinocyte-support
Chemical Function
Softener and conditioner
Biocide
Regulatory Lists
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed_with_terms
Specific information requirements: Obligations to provide information apply. You must tell us within 28 days if the circumstances of your importation or manufacture (introduction) are different to those in our assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zinc PCA allowed in the EU?
Zinc PCA EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.5–2%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Zinc PCA do in cosmetics?
Zinc PCA functions as: Sebum regulator; antimicrobial; astringent; humectant (PCA moiety); keratinocyte-supporting trace mineral; cofactor for superoxide dismutase and matrix metalloproteinases; acne-control active. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 15454-75-8.
Is Zinc PCA used outside cosmetics?
Zinc PCA also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Zinc PCA have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Zinc PCA is classified GHS Danger (H318) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics at max 0.5–2%.
Compliance Tools
Check Zinc PCA compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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