Sodium PCA is a highly water-compatible cosmetic ingredient widely used in skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulations. It is the sodium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) and is also known as Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Pidolate and Sodium L-Pyroglutamate. The INCI name is SODIUM PCA and the commonly referenced CAS Number is 28874-51-3. It has the molecular formula C₅H₆NNaO₃ and molecular weight 151.10 g/mol.
Sodium PCA is particularly valued for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is associated with the natural moisturising factor of the skin and is used in cosmetic formulations designed to support moisture retention. It is also recognised for hair conditioning and antistatic functionality.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. The L-form is chemically identified as sodium (2S)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylate. Its molecular formula is C₅H₆NNaO₃, with a molecular weight of 151.10 g/mol. CAS 28874-51-3 is the principal identifier for sodium pidolate/sodium L-pyroglutamate.
Commercial Sodium PCA is commonly supplied as an aqueous solution, rather than as a completely dry crystalline material. A referenced cosmetic specification, for example, describes a 50% Sodium PCA in water solution. Such a grade has a substantially different composition from anhydrous Sodium PCA and should therefore be specified according to active content.
This distinction is important when calculating formulation quantities. A 50% solution containing Sodium PCA and water cannot be treated as equivalent to 100% active Sodium PCA.
Sodium PCA is primarily a humectant cosmetic ingredient. Its strong affinity for water allows it to support moisture retention and contribute to the moisturising characteristics of skin-care formulations. It is particularly useful when formulators want a water-soluble moisturising component that can be incorporated into aqueous systems.
In skin-care products, Sodium PCA functions as a skin-conditioning ingredient and can contribute to a softer and more comfortable skin feel. It is commonly selected for moisturisers, lotions, gels, serums and other hydration-focused formulations.
In hair-care products, Sodium PCA provides hair-conditioning and antistatic functionality. This makes it relevant to shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and other products where moisture management and hair feel are important.
Sodium PCA Cosmetic Ingredient can be incorporated into a wide variety of skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulations. Typical applications include facial moisturisers, body lotions, hand creams, serums, gels, toners, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners and hair-treatment products.
For skin-care formulations, Sodium PCA can be combined with glycerin, sorbitol, Betaine, amino acids and other humectants to create multi-component moisture-management systems. Its water solubility makes it particularly convenient for aqueous formulations.
In hair-care products, Sodium PCA can contribute to conditioning and moisture management while also supporting antistatic performance. It can be used in both rinse-off and leave-on systems, subject to the formulation objective and applicable requirements.
A commercial cosmetic specification may recommend use levels around 1–10%, depending on the concentration of the supplied material and formulation type. However, use level should always be established through formulation development rather than treated as a universal requirement.
The active concentration of Sodium PCA is one of the most important formulation considerations. Commercial products are frequently supplied as aqueous solutions. One referenced material contains approximately 50% Sodium PCA and 50% water, while another commercial reference specifies a Sodium PCA content of approximately 48–52%.
Sodium PCA is water soluble and can generally be added to the aqueous phase of suitable formulations. The formulator should consider the contribution of the supplied solution to the overall water content of the formulation.
Because Sodium PCA is highly hygroscopic, packaging should remain properly closed during storage. Formulation compatibility should also be assessed with surfactants, polymers, preservatives, electrolytes and other functional ingredients. Finished products should undergo appropriate stability, pH, viscosity and microbiological testing.
A further formulation consideration is compatibility with nitrosating systems. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment states that PCA and its salts should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed.
As a Sodium PCA Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulation requirements.
Sodium PCA is suitable for manufacturers developing moisturising, conditioning and hydration-focused products. For bulk procurement, the selected grade should clearly specify active Sodium PCA concentration, water content, appearance, pH and other relevant quality parameters.
The commercial Certificate of Analysis should be used to establish the exact specification for the supplied grade rather than transferring values from another Sodium PCA solution or dry material.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 48.0–52.0% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 6.8–7.4 |