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Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA suppliers and sourcing guide

Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA, also called pidolic or pyroglutamic acid). PCA is made by cyclizing L-glutamic acid, usually from fermentation, and is then reacted with a zinc source such as zinc oxide and dried. Brands buy it as a white to off-white, water-soluble powder for skin and hair formulas, sometimes alongside sodium PCA and other PCA salts.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Zinc pidolate · Zinc L-pyroglutamate · Zinc pyrrolidone carboxylate · CAS 15454-75-8
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of zinc PCA

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Powder

    The standard form: a fine, water-soluble powder sold by zinc content and PCA assay, added to the water phase.

  • Aqueous solution

    Pre-dissolved solutions at a stated zinc PCA percentage, easier to dose in liquid production but heavier to ship.

  • Blends with other PCA salts

    Combinations of zinc PCA with sodium, magnesium or copper PCA, sold as single ingredients with a stated ratio. Each salt must appear on the INCI list.

  • Natural-origin grades

    Grades where the glutamic acid comes from plant-sugar fermentation, often documented for ISO 16128 natural-origin calculations.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Zinc content
Zinc by complexometric (EDTA) titration or ICP-OES, the main figure for dosing and labeling.
PCA assay
Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid content by HPLC or titration, to confirm the salt is fully formed.
pH of solution
pH of a stated dilution (often 10% in water), which shows whether excess acid or base is present.
Loss on drying
Moisture by loss on drying or Karl Fischer; the powder takes up water from the air.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, important because zinc sources can carry cadmium and lead.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of specified pathogens, especially for solutions.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep zinc PCA in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, since the powder absorbs moisture and can cake. Protect solutions from freezing and from contamination after opening. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification; retest zinc content, moisture and micro on stock near its expiry.

Lots and expiry dates

Record zinc content, PCA assay and moisture for each lot, because zinc content per kilogram drifts with water uptake. Note the solution pH and color, and rotate stock first in, first out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists zinc pidolate (CAS 15454-75-8, the substance sold as zinc PCA) as an approved chemical name, with zinc as its sub-ingredient.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Zinc PCA suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking zinc PCA suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell zinc PCA? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of zinc PCA can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, aqueous solution, blends with other PCA salts and natural-origin grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for zinc PCA include?

Expect zinc content, pCA assay, pH of solution, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should zinc PCA be stored?

Keep zinc PCA in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, since the powder absorbs moisture and can cake. Protect solutions from freezing and from contamination after opening. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification; retest zinc content, moisture and micro on stock near its expiry.

What is the regulatory status of zinc PCA?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists zinc pidolate (CAS 15454-75-8, the substance sold as zinc PCA) as an approved chemical name, with zinc as its sub-ingredient.

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