What is Zinc PCA?

Humectant

Zinc PCA is a humectant that draws water into the skin and helps hold it there.

This ingredient is listed in CosIng, the EU's cosmetic ingredient database. CosIng lists what it's used for as: Humectant, Skin conditioning.

CosIng function classes are the EU's standard list of the jobs an ingredient does inside a product, such as moisturizing, emulsifying, or preserving.

Which products feature it?

41 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.

Showing 1 to 12.

Anua
HEARTLEAF 77 B3ZINC SOOTHING SERUM
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
Key: Zinc PCA (#9 on the ingredient list · 1%), Niacinamide 5%, Houttuynia Cordata Flower/Leaf/Stem Water 77%
Official (Korean)
39 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots
Only partly backed:
calmer skin · clearer-looking skin · less shine · a smoother skin texture
Tests passed:
hypoallergenic · non-comedogenic · skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Niacinamide (B3) 5%backed by evidence
Zinc 1%backed by evidence
Whitening functional cosmeticsbacked by evidence
Excess sebum careplausible, not tested
Skin barrier and marks** careplausible, not tested
Lightly absorbed, fresh and moist serum textureplausible, not tested
99.3% soothing of trouble* skin in just 2 weekspartly backed
The amazing effect of the trouble* serum, proven by satisfaction!partly backed
Skin absorption improved by 167.5%!partly backed
Soothing of skin irritated by towel friction (after 1 use)** 70.9%partly backed
Soothing of skin irritated by pillow friction (after 1 use)** 45.2%partly backed
Soothing of skin irritated by shaving irritation (after 1 use)*** 57.4%partly backed
99,100 ppm B3Zinc™ COMPLEXpartly backed
Low-irritation care of dead skin cells and skin texture refinementpartly backed
Inner sebum (whitehead) reductionpartly backed
Surface sebum (blackhead) reductionpartly backed
Improvement effect on soothing irritated skin*partly backed
Skin pore area improvement**partly backed
Improvement of skin barrier damaged by physical irritationpartly backed
Skin blemish (pigmentation) improvementpartly backed
Skin oil improvementpartly backed
Skin moisture improvementpartly backed
Skin irritation test completed on sensitive skinpartly backed
Low-irritation skin test completedpartly backed
Test for suitability on acne-prone skin completed (non-comedogenic)partly backed
24% soothing synergy!partly backed
Inner moisturization UP 3.13 timespartly backed
68.6% higher absorptionpartly backed
Soothing effect that penetrates deep* into the skin with Houttuynia cordata exosome1)!overstated
Active ingredients delivered fast and deep* into the skin — not lingering on the surface, the difference of true absorptionoverstated
Afternoon greasiness OUT!* Sebum amount -28.8% decrease**overstated
86.9% moisture soothing + moisturizing ingredients**overstated
Breaking the vicious cycle of trouble*no supporting source found
A soothing coverage area wider than before!no supporting source found
Skin soothing effect that gets better and better the more you use itno supporting source found
Just 1 use improves soothing of reddened* skinno supporting source found
Skin texture improvement effect -5.2%no supporting source found
A serum that cares for recurring trouble*nothing specific to check
Key soothing care ingredientsnothing specific to check
celimax
Oil Control Moisture Cream
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle improvement.
Key: Zinc PCA (#15 on the ingredient list · 0.1%), Niacinamide, Adenosine
Official (Korean)
17 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
Only partly backed:
better hydration
Free of:
the ingredients it lists
See each claim
claims, checked
Celimax Oil Control Moisture Cream is a product that has completed dual-functional reporting for whitening and wrinkle improvement to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.backed by evidence
In a human application test of primary irritation by sensitive skin patch of Celimax Oil Control Moisture Cream on 33 adults with sensitive skin, it is judged to be non-irritating.backed by evidence
Oil Control Moisture Cream is a fragrance-free product.backed by evidence
The pH of Oil Control Moisture Cream is 5.0 ~ 7.0.backed by evidence
No artificial fragrance added, unscented with no raw material odor.backed by evidence
Oil Control Moisture Cream is a product that can be used by all skin types. For dry skin, please adjust the amount used.plausible, not tested
Inner moisture +28.3% improvementpartly backed
Surface moisture +58.4% improvementpartly backed
Skin oil (sebum) +17.54% improvementpartly backed
Pore area improvement +44.47%partly backed
Pore volume improvement +32.7%partly backed
Pore depth improvement +27.1%partly backed
Pore texture improvement +12.0%partly backed
Skin texture (roughness) +12.0% improvementpartly backed
Skin oil-water balance change (Celimax Oil Control Capsule Essence, Oil Control Moisture Cream used together)partly backed
Oil-water balance +168.34% improvementoverstated
Oil Control Moisture Cream is a daily care product that can be used every morning and evening.nothing specific to check
COSRX
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
It's made for clearer-looking skin and less visible pores.
Key: Zinc PCA (#7 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide 15%, Acetyl Glucosamine
Brand store Olive Young US Official (Korean)
54 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
less visible pores (amount unknown) · clearer-looking skin (amount unknown) · less shine · less visible dark spots
Don't count on:
firmer skin · a brighter skin tone
See each claim
claims, checked
Acetyl Glucosamine + Zinc PCAbacked by evidence
Niacinamide 15%backed by evidence
#Sebum&PoreImprovementplausible, not tested
#SkinBarrierImprovementplausible, not tested
#TroubleAndMarkImprovementplausible, not tested
#SkinDrynessReliefplausible, not tested
Niacinamide is a smart ingredient that resolves various skin concerns including trouble and mark improvement, sebum & pore improvement, skin barrier improvement, and even relief of skin dryness!plausible, not tested
Sebum quantity reductionplausible, not tested
Oil quantity reductionplausible, not tested
Sebum secretion controlplausible, not tested
A light liquid formula that controls oiliness and leaves only freshnessplausible, not tested
A dropper wiper that separates well from the package makes recycling easy upon disposal.plausible, not tested
Removable sticker label* that peels off cleanlyplausible, not tested
Care from sebum & pore improvement to trouble* marks all at oncepartly backed
+ Oil Control + Minimize Pores & Sebumpartly backed
Approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a 'whitening functional certified ingredient', safety and efficacy have been proven through numerous research papers, and there are research results showing safety even at concentrations up to 20%.partly backed
Non-greasy feeling and fast absorption, usable for acne-prone skin & sensitive skinpartly backed
Relieves trouble markspartly backed
Feeling that trouble marks or spots were relieved: 100%partly backed
Feeling that skin sebum and trouble improved: 100%partly backed
Feeling that skin oiliness was relieved: 100%partly backed
Pigmentation improvement -15%partly backed
Mark improvement -19%partly backed
Red skin -24.8%partly backed
Yellow skin -11.7%partly backed
#HighStrengthTroubleSerumpartly backed
*In just 4 weeks, end of worries about sebum / oil / blackheads / whiteheads! Trouble care serumoverstated
Triple complexion skin tone improvementoverstated
15% optimal concentration formulation for genuinely effective careoverstated
Try it once and you'll know the definite trouble* care effectoverstated
Satisfaction with skin changes experienced by consumers over about 4 weeks: surprisingly 100%overstated
In just 4 weeks! Overwhelming improvement in excess sebum · oil · blackheads and whiteheadsoverstated
*Red sebum lines extending from both eyebrows to nose, beside nose, nasolabial folds, and chin → completely disappeared after 4 weeksoverstated
In just 4 weeks! Marks also neatly relievedoverstated
In just 4 weeks! From uneven reddish tone to uniform toneoverstated
Elasticity and glow that fills up tautly even into poresno supporting source found
BEAUTY & WELLNESS GLAMOUR AWARD · 2023no supporting source found
iF DESIGN AWARD 2023no supporting source found
Blackhead count reductionno supporting source found
Whitehead count reductionno supporting source found
Trouble* spot careno supporting source found
Relieves worsening of troubleno supporting source found
Prescription with carefully selected synergistic ingredients that maximize trouble careno supporting source found
Sebum quantity -45%no supporting source found
Oil quantity -48%no supporting source found
Blackhead count -42%no supporting source found
Whitehead count -50%no supporting source found
Dark skin +2.5%no supporting source found
Patent pending (Application number 10-2021-0096102)no supporting source found
Trouble* intensive care effect contained in one dropnothing specific to check
A true trouble* solution must tackle from the cause to the marksnothing specific to check
COSRX's own solution for trouble caused by troublenothing specific to check
Use of niacinamide that provides comprehensive care for problem skinnothing specific to check
Clean COSRX caring for the earthnothing specific to check
COSRX
Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water
Key: Zinc PCA (#8 on the ingredient list), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Panthenol
Brand store Olive Young US Official (Korean)
1 claim checked
claims, checked
Weakly Acidic Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Waterpartly backed
Mamonde
Pore Control Peony Liquid Mask
It's made for less visible pores and less shine.
Key: Zinc PCA (#8 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Official (Korean)
11 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible pores
Only partly backed:
less shine
See each claim
claims, checked
** Temporary improvement effect on visible poresbacked by evidence
12 hours of soft, non-greasy oil carepartly backed
When used for 4 weeks, sebum quantity decreased by -31.3%partly backed
Immediate pore improvement effect even with just one use **partly backed
Oily Skin Hwajalmeok Ampoule Pack that reduces excess sebum and oil and keeps makeup intact for 12 hoursoverstated
From after cleansing until the next cleansing, soft and dry, 12 hours * skin oil control!overstated
Oil blotting paper liquid mask that improves shiny, oily skin caused by excess sebum to a fresh state with the sebum care effect of Pieoni and Zinc-Niacinamide™overstated
High concentration, but irritation worries NO!no supporting source found
Vegan certification completed CERTIFIED VEGANno supporting source found
Non-comedogenic test completed NON-COMEDOGENIC TESTEDno supporting source found
Sensitive skin primary irritation test completed SKIN IRRITATION TESTED ON SENSITIVE SKINno supporting source found
dr.eslee
Anti-Sebum Toner Mild 60ml
Key: Zinc PCA (#9 on the ingredient list), Totarol, Salicylic Acid
1 claim checked
claims, checked
Surfactant-free toner for oily skinbacked by evidence
ZEROID
Pimprove Gel Cleanser
It's made for calmer skin.
Key: Zinc PCA (#11 on the ingredient list), Salicylic Acid, O-Cymen-5-ol
Olive Young US Official (Korean)
5 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
calmer skin · less shine
See each claim
claims, checked
A low irritation cleanser for oily skin that gently removes sebum and impuritiespartly backed
A sebum controlling, soothing line for oily and blemish-prone skinpartly backed
OPTIMAL CARE FOR OILY & TROUBLED SKINno supporting source found
It soothes shiny, reddened skin and finds the skin's oil and moisture balance.no supporting source found
A mild, gel cleanser that is hypo-allergenic and also normalizes the pH balance while relieving skin irritations and helping to maintain healthy skin.no supporting source found
ZEROID
Pimprove Toner
Key: Zinc PCA (#12 on the ingredient list), Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid
Olive Young US Official (Korean)
2 claims checked
claims, checked
2. Refrain from use on areas with wounds or with abnormalities such as eczema and dermatitis.backed by evidence
A low-irritation exfoliating care toner for oily, blemish-prone skinpartly backed
Dr.Althea
345 Relief Spot Powder
Key: Zinc PCA (#13 on the ingredient list), Calamine, Titanium Dioxide
1 claim checked
claims, checked
345nothing specific to check
Torriden
DIVE IN FOR MEN LOW MOLECULAR HYALURONIC ACID ALL IN ONE
Key: Zinc PCA (#14 on the ingredient list), Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol
Aestura
A-CICA 365 Moisture Toner pH 4.5
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Zinc PCA (#15 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Asiaticoside
Official (Korean)
15 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration (amount unknown) · less visible pores · calmer skin (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown)
Don't count on:
less shine
Tests passed:
non-comedogenic
See each claim
claims, checked
DERMATOLOGIST TESTED A patch test was performed for 48 hours to confirm skin irritation at the dermatology department of a university hospital.plausible, not tested
ALLERGY TESTED To evaluate the skin irritation and sensitization potential, repeated cutaneous patch applications were conducted.plausible, not tested
For the first step of sensitive skin that has become sensitive after cleansing, cares for soothing redness and even inner moisture through improving the slightly acidic pH environmentplausible, not tested
Replenishing Skin Moisture, pH4.5CICA™, Mild Acidic, Derma Deep Hyaluronic Acidpartly backed
Temporary improvement in pore indicators immediately after use: pore depth -3.8%, density -7.2%, area -12.4%, volume -14.28%, count -7.29% (temporary effect)partly backed
Zinc soothes sensitive skin, 4 types of CICA repairs damaged barriers, PHA improves skin environment to mild-acidic pH.partly backed
SENSITIVE SKIN PANEL TESTED A 4-week usability evaluation was conducted on 30 subjects with red skin tone, sensitive skin.partly backed
NON-COMEDOGENIC TESTED Confirmed as non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin after 4 weeks of use.partly backed
Estra Aisika 365 Moisture Toner pH4.5 200ml lightly absorbs into sensitive skin right after cleansing, fills it with moisture deep inside, and stably sets the skin pH balance to lead it to a comfortable state. Containing pH4.5 CICA and hyaluronic acid, it reduces redness concerns and helps smooth skin texture, completing mildly acidic hydrating soothing care.partly backed
With this toner, you can soothe your skin with pH4.5CICA™ and hydrate deeply with Derma Deep Hyaluronic Acid. Experience 6x more intense hydration in comparision to before use, for sensitive skin after cleansing.overstated
Improves hydration by 626%* immediately after useoverstated
Reduces visible redness by 87%* immediately after useoverstated
Helps reduce sebum through oil-moisture balancing: 57% reduction in sebum after 2 weeks of use (graph-based)no supporting source found
Maintains a weak acidic skin environment for 12 hoursno supporting source found
Reduces skin temperature by 6.8°C* immediately after usecontradicted by sources
belif
Manology Protective Ectoin Emulsion
Key: Zinc PCA (#15 on the ingredient list), Ectoin, Panthenol

Often featured alongside it

Are the claims about it backed up?

We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.

See the results by claim

Result	Claims
backed by evidence	2 of 9
partly backed	4 of 9
overstated	2 of 9
no supporting source found	1 of 9

These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.