Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, one of skin's natural moisturizing factors. It's used as a humectant that binds water to boost surface hydration and comfort for a wide range of skin types.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A natural moisture-binder that keeps skin feeling supple and dewy.
Category
Hydration, Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning, Sensitive Skin
Type
Humectant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It helps skin feel supple and look dewy by drawing moisture into the outer layers, and can ease dryness-related tightness and support a calmer-feeling barrier, including on sensitive complexions.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's frequently included in hydrating serums, toners, and moisturizers to boost daily hydration, and appears in sheet masks and mists for quick comfort between routines.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It carries generally low irritation risk; patch testing is prudent for very reactive skin or when layered with strong actives. No widely recognized cosmetic-use restrictions apply.

Is Sodium PCA a Good Ingredient?

It earns a Great rating as a well-studied natural moisturizing factor humectant that measurably increases skin hydration at low levels, with excellent water solubility and stability. It's typically low in irritation, which suits it to sensitive-leaning routines.

Products with Sodium PCA

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