Sodium PCA

CAS No- 28874-51-3

Sodium PCA rebuilds the intracellular glue that holds the cells together. This prevents the loss of moisture and prevents the growth of bacteria and allergens on the skin. This then reduces the chances of breakouts, clogged pores and other skin problems Sodium PCA [1] is a natural hydrating agent derived from oils, plants and fruits. It is the sodium salt version of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), also known as pyroglutamic acid. It is also popularly known as amino acid proline, which forms the base of all proteins. The salt form of the molecules of sodium PCA make it water-soluble.

Sodium PCA is a humectant that naturally occurs in the skin. It is also used in a variety of skincare and haircare products. Humectants maintain and secure moisture into your skin. They attract water droplets from the surrounding air and lock them into the upper layer of your skin, giving it a moisturized appearance.

While Sodium PCA is a naturally derived ingredient, it can also be created synthetically. Also, the usage of Sodium PCA may vary, depending upon the source of extraction. Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring hydrating ingredient. Sodium PCA is a humectant that works as a hydrating agent and a skin-replenishing ingredient in a variety of skin and hair care products. Humectants are ingredients that help the skin to retain and preserve moisture. Humectants work by attracting water to the upper layers of the skin, giving the skin that plumped, hydrated look.

Sodium PCA is derived from naturally occurring ingredients such as plants, fruits, and oils. Sodium PCA is the sodium salt form of pyroglutamic acid; also known as the amino acid Proline. Amino acids form the base of all proteins. The salt form of the molecule allows it to be water-soluble or able to dissolve in water. It is generally used for its emollient and hydrating properties.

PCA is found in all living cells and can be extracted from ingredients such as coconut oil and seaweeds for use in skincare products. This is why you will often see sodium PCA in hydrating serums and in cleansers to help retain the moisture in the skin during cleansing. While most of the sodium PCA used is synthetically created, it can also be extracted from these plant-based sources and fermented to create a plant-derived form of the ingredient.

Additionally, PCA is created through the breakdown of the protein filaggrin within corneocytes. Corneocytes are dead skin cells that make up the outermost layer of skin. This layer serves as a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and reducing the effects of bacteria overgrowth and allergens. Sodium PCA forms about 12% of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor or NMF. The NMF consists of several components such as amino acids, lactic acid, sugar and small proteins. Together with the naturally occurring lipids in the skin, the NMF components work to keep the skin’s surface healthy and looking supple and hydrated.