ZINC PCA BALANCING GEL FOR MEN
An oil-free hydrating gel led by Zinc PCA, a mineral salt of the skin's natural moisturising factor that carries skin-conditioning humectant function. Set in a weightless 50 ml gel with no oil phase, it is supported by Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid and a Microbiome Prebiotic Complex. The lightweight, zero-residue finish hydrates and helps mattify the look of oily, blemish-prone skin without a greasy after-feel, sitting cleanly under sunscreen in a daily grooming routine.
Backed by published research · references belowContains fragrance (Parfum). Full ingredients
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Formulated for Acne Prone, Oily Skin.
- Zinc PCA (CAS 15454-75-8), a mineral salt of the skin's natural moisturising factor, listed by EU CosIng with skin-conditioning and humectant functions1.
- Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), a glycosaminoglycan humectant naturally present in skin, with a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules2.
- Microbiome Prebiotic Complex (Rhamnose, Glucose, Glucuronic Acid) with Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) Flower/Leaf Extract, a skin-conditioning botanical shown in laboratory work to calm croton-oil irritated skin3.
Hero mechanism: Zinc PCA, a mineral salt of the skin's natural moisturising factor, contributes skin-conditioning humectant function. Full mechanism and citations under Details and references.
The Opuliss Skin Zinc PCA Balancing Gel for Men is a 50 ml / 1.69 fl oz oil-free hydrating gel built for daily grooming. Zinc PCA leads a four-part stack alongside Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), a Microbiome Prebiotic Complex (Rhamnose, Glucose, Glucuronic Acid), and Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) Flower/Leaf Extract. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice anchors the aqueous base, Glycerin and Betaine add humectant tiers, and Sclerotium Gum sets the weightless gel texture without an oil phase. 100% natural origin, 27% organic origin, vegan eligible.
Zinc PCA, Rhamnose + Glucose + Glucuronic Acid (Microbiome Prebiotic Complex), Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate.
Active ingredients:
- Zinc PCA, a mineral salt of the skin's natural moisturising factor
- Sodium Hyaluronate, a glycosaminoglycan humectant
- Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract, a skin-conditioning botanical
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc PCA, Aqua, Propanediol, Parfum, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rhamnose, Glucose, Glucuronic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral
The ingredient list printed on your product’s packaging is always definitive; where it differs from this page, the packaging prevails.
Apply a small amount to clean skin morning and evening, after cleansing and any serum step. Massage gently into face and neck. Suitable for daily use, and the lightweight gel sits comfortably under sunscreen without a greasy finish.
Are there any side effects?
It contains naturally occurring fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral). Patch test recommended for first use.
Does it actually work?
Zinc PCA pairs the mineral zinc with a natural moisturising factor, and cosmetic dermatology reviews describe zinc salts among the sebum-controlling agents used in skincare, helping this oil-free gel keep a fresher, less shiny-looking finish.
How do I use it?
Apply a small amount to clean skin morning and evening, after cleansing and any serum step. Massage gently into face and neck.
What is the difference between zinc and zinc PCA?
Zinc is a mineral. Zinc PCA is zinc bound to PCA, a moisture-binding part of the skin's own natural moisturising factor (Lin 2017), so one ingredient brings the mineral and a humectant together. Cosmetics have long used zinc PCA as an astringent (Takino 2012). In this oil-free gel it works alongside Glycerin, Betaine and Sodium Hyaluronate.
100% natural origin, 27% organic origin, vegan eligible. Contains naturally occurring fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral). Patch test recommended for first use. Avoid contact with eyes.
- Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of PCA (2-Pyrrolidone-5-Carboxylic Acid) and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2019;38(Supplement 1):5S-11S.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):253-258. DOI 10.4161/derm.21923.
- Camponogara C, Silva CR, Brusco I, et al. Nasturtium officinale R. Br. effectively reduces the skin inflammation induced by croton oil via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and NF-kB pathways without causing toxicological effects in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2019;229:190-204. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2018.10.011. PubMed PMID 30339978.
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018, 19(1):70. DOI 10.3390/ijms19010070. PubMed PMID 29280987.
- Takino Y, Okura F, Kitazawa M, et al. Zinc l-pyrrolidone carboxylate inhibits the UVA-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 by in vitro cultured skin fibroblasts, whereas it enhances their collagen synthesis. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2012, 34(1):23-8. DOI 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00676.x. PubMed PMID 21834944.
How to cite this product page: Opuliss. Zinc PCA Balancing Gel for Men. Opuliss Skin product page. 2026. https://opuliss.com/products/oil-free-zinc-face-gel-for-men
The Science
Zinc PCA pairs the mineral zinc with a natural moisturising factor, and cosmetic dermatology reviews describe zinc salts among the sebum-controlling agents used in skincare, helping this oil-free gel keep a fresher, less shiny-looking finish.
Source: Dall'Oglio F, et al. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 2014 (PMID 25315288).
INSIDE THE SCIENCE
From precision-fermented actives to biomimetic complexes, discover what makes it Opuliss.
ZINC PCA
The zinc salt of PCA, long used in cosmetics as an astringent. In lab tests on human skin cells it curbed a collagen-breaking enzyme that UVA light switches on, and raised collagen production.
Source: Takino Y, et al. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012 (PMID 21834944).
RHAMNOSE
A plant sugar. In lab-grown skin and in a clinical study, rhamnose had a positive effect on collagen IV and procollagen I production, in the skin layers that ageing affects.
Source: Pageon H, et al. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2019 (PMID 30845349).
WATERCRESS
A botanical containing rutin and ferulic acid. In a laboratory study, watercress extract applied to irritated mouse skin reduced swelling.
Source: Camponogara C, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019 (PMID 30339978).
THE TEXTURE
The Opuliss difference
SCIENCE, MADE VISIBLE
Opuliss begins where the research ends. Every active is named, every claim is traceable, and nothing is left to promise alone.
Morning to night
A RITUAL, CONSIDERED
Each formula stands on its own and belongs to the whole. Layered with intention, morning and night, the routine becomes unmistakably yours.
A twenty four hour rhythm
THE SKIN KEEPS TIME
Skin is not the same at midnight as it is at nine in the morning. Across a single day its temperature, its acidity and the moisture it loses to the air each move on a rhythm of their own. Morning and night are not two routines. They are one, kept in time.
Yosipovitch G et al. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1998 (PMID 9424081). Sixteen volunteers sampled every two hours across a twenty four hour span.
