Magnesium PCA is a functional cosmetic ingredient used primarily in skin-care and personal-care formulations for moisture management and skin conditioning. It is the magnesium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), also known as pyroglutamic acid or 5-oxoproline. The INCI name is MAGNESIUM PCA and the commonly referenced CAS Number is 5819-47-6. Its EC Number is 227-392-8.
Magnesium PCA is classified primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. As a PCA salt, it is associated with moisture-management systems used in cosmetic formulations. It can be incorporated into products designed to maintain skin hydration and a comfortable, conditioned skin feel.
Magnesium PCA is chemically identified as magnesium 2-oxopyrrolidine-5-carboxylate. The material represents a magnesium salt of PCA. A commonly referenced structural representation is C₅H₇NO₃·½Mg, while the corresponding 2:1 magnesium pyrrolidone-carboxylate representation is C₁₀H₁₂MgN₂O₆, with a molecular weight of approximately 280.52 g/mol. The precise representation depends on how the salt and its stoichiometry are specified.
This distinction is important when preparing technical documentation because Magnesium PCA should not be confused with Magnesium Ascorbate/PCA, which is a separate cosmetic ingredient with different chemical identity and function.
Magnesium PCA is generally considered a water-compatible PCA salt. The actual physical form, active content, moisture and solubility characteristics should be established from the commercial grade and its Certificate of Analysis.
Magnesium PCA is primarily used as a humectant. Humectants help retain moisture within cosmetic systems and can contribute to the hydration characteristics of finished skin-care products. COSMILE Europe specifically identifies Magnesium PCA as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Its skin-conditioning function makes it relevant to formulations where the objective is to maintain the appearance and feel of skin in good condition. Magnesium PCA can be used alongside other humectants such as glycerin, Sodium PCA, Betaine, sorbitol and other water-compatible moisturising ingredients.
The PCA structure also makes Magnesium PCA part of the broader family of PCA-based cosmetic ingredients used in moisture-management formulations.
Magnesium PCA Cosmetic Ingredient can be considered for a variety of skin-care and personal-care formulations, including moisturising creams, facial lotions, serums, gels, body-care products, hand-care products and other hydration-focused preparations.
It can be incorporated into formulations where humectancy and skin conditioning are desired. Depending on the supplied grade and formulation design, Magnesium PCA can be combined with other PCA salts, polyols, amino-acid derivatives, emollients and conditioning ingredients.
Potential applications can also extend to hair-care formulations where a water-compatible conditioning or moisture-management ingredient is required. However, the suitability of a particular grade should be established through formulation testing rather than assuming that every Magnesium PCA commercial grade performs identically.
The commercial form of Magnesium PCA should be established before formulation. Active concentration, moisture content, pH, magnesium content and physical form can vary according to manufacturing process and grade.
As an ionic PCA salt, Magnesium PCA should be evaluated for compatibility with other electrolytes, ionic polymers, surfactants and formulation ingredients. Changes in ionic strength can influence viscosity, clarity and stability in some cosmetic systems.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment includes Magnesium PCA among the PCA salts considered safe under the practices and concentrations described in its assessment. It also states that PCA and its salts should not be used in cosmetic products where N-nitroso compounds can be formed.
For commercial procurement, the actual Certificate of Analysis should be used for assay, moisture, pH, heavy metals, impurities and other quality attributes. Public cosmetic references do not establish one universal COA specification for all Magnesium PCA commercial grades.
As a Magnesium PCA Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, personal-care and formulation applications.
Magnesium PCA is suitable for manufacturers seeking a PCA-based humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. For bulk procurement, the selected material should be evaluated according to its chemical identity, active content, physical characteristics and agreed quality specification.
The product documentation should clearly identify Magnesium PCA, CAS 5819-47-6, to distinguish it from other PCA salts and from Magnesium Ascorbate/PCA.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |