Potassium PCA is a functional cosmetic ingredient used primarily for moisture management and skin conditioning in skin-care and personal-care formulations. It is the potassium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) and is also known as Potassium Pidolate, Potassium 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate and Potassium L-Pyroglutamate. The INCI name is POTASSIUM PCA. Its CAS Number is 4810-50-8, EC Number 225-373-9, molecular formula C₅H₆KNO₃, and molecular weight 167.20 g/mol.
Potassium PCA belongs to the PCA family of ingredients associated with the skin's natural moisturising factor. In cosmetic formulations, its established primary function is humectant, helping formulations retain and manage moisture.
Potassium PCA is the potassium salt of L-pyroglutamic acid, chemically identified as potassium (2S)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylate. The molecule contains a pyrrolidone ring with a carboxylate group balanced by potassium, giving it an ionic structure and strong compatibility with water.
The molecular formula is C₅H₆KNO₃ and molecular weight is 167.20 g/mol. CAS 4810-50-8 specifically corresponds to the L-form of Potassium PCA. This distinction is useful when evaluating raw-material identity and documentation because PCA salts can exist in different stereochemical forms.
Potassium PCA is generally considered a water-compatible cosmetic material and is primarily selected for its moisture-management characteristics rather than for an exfoliating or cleansing function.
Potassium PCA is primarily a humectant cosmetic ingredient. Its role is to help hold and retain moisture within a formulation and support the moisturising characteristics of the finished cosmetic product. COSMILE Europe identifies Potassium PCA specifically as a humectant.
Because PCA is naturally associated with the skin's natural moisturising factor, Potassium PCA can be incorporated into hydration-focused skin-care systems. It can work alongside other humectants such as glycerin, Betaine, Sodium PCA, sorbitol and other water-binding ingredients.
Potassium PCA is therefore particularly relevant to formulations where maintaining a hydrated and comfortable skin feel is an important product objective.
Potassium 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, cleansing products and other hydration-focused formulations.
It can also be considered for hair-care applications where a water-compatible humectant is required. Potential applications include shampoos, conditioners and hair-care treatments, subject to the formulation objective and applicable product requirements.
Its electrolyte character can also make it relevant to formulations designed around moisture balance. The actual concentration should be established through formulation development rather than applying a universal use level to every product.
Potassium PCA should be evaluated according to the specific commercial grade supplied. The active material, moisture content, pH, purity and physical form can influence formulation calculations and processing.
Because Potassium PCA is a salt of PCA, formulators should consider the overall electrolyte load of the formulation, particularly in systems containing ionic polymers, surfactants or other electrolytes. Compatibility and stability should be evaluated in the complete formulation.
PCA and its salts have been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel as safe under the practices and concentrations described in its safety assessment. The assessment 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 determine assay, moisture, pH, impurities, heavy metals and other quality parameters. Public references do not establish one universal cosmetic raw-material COA specification for all Potassium PCA grades.
As a Potassium PCA Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, personal-care and formulation applications.
Potassium PCA is suitable for manufacturers seeking a PCA-based humectant for hydration-focused cosmetic products. For bulk procurement, the selected grade should be evaluated according to identity, purity, moisture, pH, solubility and other agreed quality parameters.
Product documentation should clearly identify Potassium PCA, CAS 4810-50-8, to distinguish it from other PCA salts such as Sodium PCA, Calcium PCA and Magnesium PCA.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |