Arginine PCA is a functional cosmetic ingredient composed of L-arginine and L-pyroglutamic acid (PCA) in a 1:1 relationship. It is also known as Arginine Pidolate, L-Arginine L-Pyroglutamate and L-Arginine PCA. The INCI name is ARGININE PCA. The commonly reported CAS Numbers are 56265-06-6 and 64855-91-0, with corresponding EC numbers 260-081-5 and 265-253-3.
Arginine PCA is primarily used as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. The combination of the amino acid L-arginine with PCA makes it relevant to formulations designed around moisture management and skin conditioning. It is particularly suitable for skin-care and personal-care products where water retention and a comfortable skin feel are important formulation objectives.
Arginine PCA is a 1:1 compound of L-arginine and L-pyroglutamic acid. PubChem reports the molecular formula as C₁₁H₂₁N₅O₅ and molecular weight as 303.32 g/mol. The chemical identity is described as 5-oxo-L-proline, compound with L-arginine (1:1).
The ingredient contains two naturally occurring amino-acid-related components: L-arginine, an amino acid containing a basic guanidino group, and L-pyroglutamic acid, commonly referred to as PCA. This composition gives Arginine PCA its characteristic ionic and water-compatible nature.
Arginine PCA should be distinguished from Arginine itself and from other PCA salts such as Sodium PCA, Potassium PCA and Magnesium PCA. These ingredients have different chemical identities and molecular compositions even though they can share humectant or conditioning functions.
Arginine PCA is primarily recognised for humectant and skin-conditioning functionality. As a humectant, it can help formulations manage moisture and support the hydrated feel of the skin. COSMILE Europe specifically lists both humectant and skin-conditioning functions for Arginine PCA.
The presence of PCA is particularly relevant because PCA is associated with the skin's natural moisturising factor. Combining PCA with L-arginine provides a water-compatible ingredient that can be incorporated into hydration-oriented cosmetic systems.
Arginine PCA can therefore be used alongside other humectants such as glycerin, Betaine, Sodium PCA, Potassium PCA and polyols. The final sensory and functional performance depends on the overall formulation rather than on Arginine PCA alone.
Arginine PCA Cosmetic Ingredient can be used in a variety of skin-care and personal-care formulations, including moisturising creams, facial lotions, serums, gels, toners, body-care products and other hydration-focused preparations.
It can be incorporated into formulations where humectancy and skin conditioning are desired. Its water-compatible character makes it relevant to aqueous and emulsion-based formulations.
Arginine PCA can also be considered for hair-care formulations where moisture management and conditioning are required. However, the suitability of a particular grade should be confirmed through formulation testing, especially when used with surfactants, polymers, electrolytes or other ionic ingredients.
Arginine PCA should be evaluated according to the exact commercial grade supplied. Active content, moisture, pH, appearance and other quality parameters can vary between grades and suppliers.
Because Arginine PCA is an ionic compound, formulators should evaluate compatibility with other electrolytes, ionic polymers, surfactants and pH-adjusting materials. Such interactions can influence viscosity, clarity, stability or other physical properties of the finished formulation.
The stereochemical identity should also be considered because the documented Arginine PCA material consists of L-arginine and L-pyroglutamic acid. The CAS and EC numbers should therefore be checked against the supplier documentation before commercial use.
Public references establish the ingredient's identity and cosmetic functions but do not provide one universal numerical COA covering assay, moisture, heavy metals, residue on ignition and impurities for every commercial cosmetic grade. Accordingly, those values should be taken from the actual SDP product specification and Certificate of Analysis.
As an Arginine PCA Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, personal-care and formulation applications.
Arginine PCA is suitable for manufacturers seeking a PCA-based humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. For bulk procurement, the selected grade should be evaluated according to its chemical identity, active composition, moisture, pH, appearance, purity and applicable impurity requirements.
The commercial product documentation should clearly identify Arginine PCA and its applicable CAS number to distinguish it from other PCA derivatives.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |