Description
Description
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and an important component associated with the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Its small, highly polar structure provides strong water-binding capacity, making it useful in hydrating skin products and conditioning hair systems without the heavy film associated with high-molecular-weight polymers.
Chemical & Technical Profile
| INCI / Identity | Sodium PCA |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 28874-51-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C5H6NNaO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 151.12 g/mol |
| Physical Form | Clear to slightly yellow aqueous liquid or hygroscopic solid depending on grade |
| Solubility | Fully water-soluble |
| Functional Category | NMF-related humectant / conditioning agent |
Mechanism of Action / Technical Function
PCA contains a lactam carboxylate structure with high affinity for water. As a sodium salt it remains strongly hydrated in aqueous environments and contributes to osmotic water retention within the stratum-corneum surface layers. In hair products, the same hygroscopicity supports flexibility and conditioned feel.
Formulation Guidelines
Add directly to the water phase or during cool-down. Account for the ionic sodium carboxylate when formulating with electrolyte-sensitive polymers; high humectant levels can reduce carbomer viscosity or alter associative-thickener response. Sodium PCA combines well with glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronate, betaine, and saccharide isomerate. Avoid excessive total humectant loading that produces tack or slow dry-down.
Compatibility & Stability
Monitor pH, clarity, color, viscosity, and microbial quality. Hygroscopic grades require careful moisture control during handling. In low-humidity climates, sensory balance should be evaluated because highly humectant formulas can feel tacky without sufficient emollient support.
R&D, Scale-Up & Quality Control
Critical quality attributes for Sodium PCA include Sodium PCA identity, color, pH, dissolved-solids load, and viscosity response. The production record should fix water-phase addition, electrolyte-sensitive polymer hydration, and total humectant balance; otherwise a chemically correct formula can still show batch-to-batch physical variation. Before release, verify that the product retains target viscosity and dry-down without salt-induced collapse or excessive tack.
Packaging, Shipping & Storage
Supplied in tightly sealed packaging appropriate to the grade. Store cool and protected from contamination and moisture exchange.
Applications
Hydrating serums, moisturizers, toners, shampoos, conditioners, leave-in products, masks, and multi-humectant systems.
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