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Sodium PCA
Commonly known as:
Sodium PCA, sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidine carboxylate.
I.N.C.I. list name:
Sodium PCA.
Extraction process:
The reaction of pyrrolidone-carboxylic acid (PCA), obtained through the thermal cyclization of glutamic acid derived from beet molasses (dehydration reaction), with sodium oxide (NaO), involves stirring, filtration, and atomization.
Source:
Vegetable (L-PCA) and mineral (sodium oxide).
Botanical name:
Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot).
Family:
Chenopodiaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Fruits.
Provenance, origin:
France.
Chemical characteristics:
Oligo-element; Sodium salt of pyrrolidone-carboxylic acid; Soluble in any aqueous environment.
Characteristics:
Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution, balm, suspension, aqueous solution, oily solution.
Dosage required in cosmetic products:
From 0.5 to 3%.
Function:
Anti-static, hair conditioner, humectant, skin conditioning agent.
Properties:
Moisturizing, humectant, enhances the ability of the upper layers of the epidermis to retain water, helps to maintain the suppleness and elasticity of the skin.
Benefits:
All skin types, particularly dry and dehydrated skin; All hair types, especially dry and damaged hair.
Details
Usage
Facial Care (serums, day/night moisturizing creams, cleansing gels, masks, lotions, eye contours); Body Care (body milks, hand/foot creams, after-sun milks, shower gels, balms); Hair Care (shampoos, hydrating masks, leave-in creams, serums, scalp lotions); Makeup (hydrating liquid foundations, cream blushes).
Preservation Method
Store at room temperature, protected from light, air, moisture, and heat.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
Sodium PCA does not have any specific contraindications: it is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic. This active ingredient can be used on all skin types. Keep out of reach of children. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes.
Find out more
Sodium L-PCA is naturally found in the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), a collection of hygroscopic substances located within the corneocytes of the epidermis. The function of the NMF is to ensure, restore, and maintain an optimal state of hydration in the skin's superficial layer. Sodium PCA is one of the main components of the NMF, as it makes up 14% of it. The L-PCA part enhances the skin's absorption of zinc (increasing its bioavailability) and promotes its hydration.
