Description
Sodium PCA is a water-soluble cosmetic ingredient used in modern hydrating formulas.
It is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Sodium PCA is also known as an important component of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor, or NMF.
Formulators use Sodium PCA Liquid in serums, creams, lotions, toners, after-sun products, shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. In addition, it works well in formulas made for dry, rough, tight-feeling, or dehydrated-looking skin.
This raw material is usually supplied as a clear to slightly yellow aqueous liquid, often around 50% active content. Therefore, formulators should check the supplier COA and TDS before calculating the final use level.
This ingredient is for professional cosmetic formulation only. Do not apply the raw material directly to the skin or hair.
Technical Information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Sodium PCA |
| CAS Number | 28874-51-3 |
| Ingredient Type | Humectant, NMF-related moisturizing ingredient |
| Physical Form | Clear to slightly yellow aqueous liquid |
| Typical Active Content | Commonly around 50%, depending on supplier grade |
| Solubility | Fully water-soluble |
| Typical Usage Level | 0.2–5.0%, depending on product type and active content |
| Recommended pH Range | Commonly pH 4.0–8.0 |
| Storage | Store tightly closed at 5–25°C and protect from contamination |
Key Benefits
Hydration Support
Sodium PCA Liquid helps attract and retain moisture in cosmetic formulas. As a result, the skin can feel softer, smoother, and more comfortable.
NMF-Inspired Moisturizing
This ingredient is related to the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Therefore, it is suitable for formulas that target dry or dehydrated-looking skin.
Softer Skin Feel
Sodium PCA Liquid helps improve the feel of skin softness and flexibility. In addition, it supports a smoother and more supple appearance.
Reduced Dryness Appearance
Formulators use Sodium PCA in products that target visible dryness and roughness. For this reason, it works well in moisturizers, serums, toners, and after-sun cosmetic products.
Hair Conditioning Support
In haircare, Sodium PCA Liquid can support a softer and more hydrated hair feel. It is suitable for conditioners, leave-in products, shampoos, and styling formulas.
Recommended Applications
Sodium PCA Liquid is suitable for:
- Hydrating facial serums
- Moisturizing creams
- Body lotions
- Facial toners
- After-sun cosmetic products
- Sheet masks
- Shampoos
- Hair conditioners
- Leave-in hair products
- Styling creams and sprays
How to Use
Add Sodium PCA Liquid directly to the water phase.
Mix until fully uniform.
Use it at room temperature or during the cool-down stage.
Keep the formula within a skin-friendly pH range.
Also, avoid contamination during processing and storage.
Furthermore, test the final formula for stability, preservation, pH, color, odor, and compatibility before launch.
Formulation Tips
Sodium PCA Liquid works well with other humectants such as glycerin, propanediol, betaine, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate, and sodium lactate.
In skincare, it is useful in lightweight hydration systems. In haircare, it can improve softness and reduce a dry feel.
However, formulators should check compatibility in high-electrolyte systems, very low-pH products, and formulas with difficult preservation requirements.
Cosmetic Mechanism of Action
Sodium PCA supports hydration by binding water in the outer skin layers.
This helps improve the appearance of smoothness, softness, and comfort.
However, brands should present Sodium PCA as a cosmetic moisturizing ingredient only. It is not a drug, medical treatment, or therapeutic skin-repair active.
Suggested Cosmetic Claims
Suitable claims:
- Supports skin hydration
- Helps improve skin softness
- Helps reduce the appearance of dryness
- Supports smoother-looking skin
- Helps improve skin comfort
- Suitable for dry skin formulas
- Ideal for hydrating serums and toners
- Suitable for skin and hair care products
- Supports a fresh and comfortable feel
Avoid these claims unless strongly substantiated and legally reviewed:
- Repairs damaged skin
- Treats eczema
- Treats dermatitis
- Heals the skin barrier
- Cures dry skin
- Medical hydration therapy
- Treats inflammation
- Prevents skin disease
Regulatory Notes
Sodium PCA is a cosmetic ingredient. However, final product compliance depends on the target market, product type, concentration, formulation design, safety assessment, and marketing claims.
This raw material is not for oral, injectable, medical, pharmaceutical, or direct consumer use.
Product Advantages
- Cosmetic-grade Sodium PCA Liquid
- Water-soluble and easy to formulate
- Supports hydration and softness
- Suitable for skincare and haircare
- Works well in serums, creams, lotions, toners, shampoos, and conditioners
- Good choice for dry-skin and hydration-focused concepts
- COA, TDS, and SDS available upon request
Overall, Sodium PCA Liquid is a strong choice for brands that want moisturizing skin and hair care products focused on hydration, softness, and comfort.
Shipping Information
Free worldwide shipping.
Estimated delivery time: 10–15 business days, depending on destination and logistics conditions.
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