FlavScents AInsights Entry for Zinc PCA (CAS: 15454-75-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Zinc PCA
• IUPAC Name: Zinc pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate
• CAS Number: 15454-75-8
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C10H12N2O6Zn
• Molecular Weight: 309.59 g/mol

Zinc PCA is a zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. It is known for its role in skin care due to its sebum-regulating properties. The compound features a pyrrolidone ring, which is significant for its binding properties and contributes to its functional role in formulations. The presence of zinc is crucial for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ingredient in both cosmetic and personal care products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Zinc PCA itself does not have a significant odor or flavor profile, which makes it suitable for use in formulations where a neutral sensory impact is desired. Its primary role is not as a flavor or fragrance compound but as a functional ingredient that enhances the performance of other components in a formulation. It is typically used in products where the sensory profile is dictated by other ingredients.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Zinc PCA is not naturally occurring and is synthesized for use in various applications. The compound is formed through the reaction of zinc oxide with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. This synthetic pathway ensures a consistent and pure product, which is essential for its efficacy in cosmetic and personal care formulations. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Zinc PCA is not typically used in flavor applications due to its lack of sensory characteristics. Its primary use is in cosmetic and personal care products where it functions as a skin-conditioning agent. Therefore, specific ppm ranges for flavor use are not applicable. However, formulators should ensure compatibility with other ingredients in a formulation to maintain product stability and efficacy.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, zinc PCA is valued for its ability to enhance the stability and longevity of the fragrance by controlling sebum production on the skin, which can otherwise alter the scent profile. It is used in a variety of product types, including deodorants and skincare products, where it acts as a functional ingredient rather than a primary fragrance component. Typical concentration ranges are low, often below 1%, to ensure efficacy without affecting the overall fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Zinc PCA is not listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use. It is, however, widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use but permitted in cosmetics.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no significant divergence noted.
• Asia: Generally accepted in cosmetic applications, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Usage in cosmetics is common, with regulatory acceptance similar to that in the EU and US.

Zinc PCA is primarily regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, with its use in flavors being non-standard.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Not applicable for flavor use; no ADI or MSDI established.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility minimizes inhalation risks, making it suitable for use in aerosolized products.

The safety profile of zinc PCA is well-established in cosmetic applications, with no significant risks identified at typical use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Zinc PCA is valued for its sebum-regulating and antimicrobial properties, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare formulations. It synergizes well with other active ingredients, enhancing their efficacy. Formulators should be mindful of its compatibility with other components to prevent precipitation or instability. It is often under-utilized in formulations where its functional benefits could enhance product performance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on zinc PCA is well-documented, particularly in cosmetic applications. While its use in flavors is not standard, its safety and efficacy in personal care products are well-supported by industry and regulatory data. Known data gaps are primarily related to its flavor use, which is not a typical application.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for zinc PCA)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for zinc PCA)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-04-07 13:37:17 GMT (p2)