• Draws moisture into skin for long-lasting hydration
• Non-sticky, fast-absorbing, and skin-identical
• Improves softness and elasticity
• Ideal for both skincare and haircare applications
• 100% biodegradable and non-irritating

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid (PCA) and a natural component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). It’s an incredibly effective humectant, capable of binding water molecules and delivering deep hydration without a greasy feel. Due to its excellent compatibility with the skin, Sodium PCA is often used in serums, toners, moisturizers, and hair conditioners to maintain optimal hydration levels and improve skin elasticity. It also reduces dryness and flakiness in scalp and hair products.

INCI Name: Sodium PCA

CAS Number: 28874-51-3

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Cool-down phase

pH Stability: 4.0 – 7.0

Processing Temperature: Below 50°C

Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow liquid or powder (depending on form)

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Weight: 129.11 g/mol

Flash Point: > 100°C

Boiling Point: Decomposes

Density: ~1.32 g/cm³ (liquid)

• Usage Rate: 1–6%
• Add to cool-down phase of formulation
• Ideal for: Serums, Lotions, Toners, Conditioners, Gels

💧 For a hydration boost, combine Sodium PCA with other humectants like Hyaluronic Acid or Panthenol in your serum or toner. It helps prevent TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) and keeps your skin feeling soft and plump all day.

✔️ Suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin.

1. Hydrating Facial Serum

Combine Sodium PCA with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera juice to create a lightweight, non-sticky serum that penetrates deeply and keeps skin supple.

2. Moisture-Rich Toner

Blend rose water, Sodium PCA, and niacinamide for a refreshing facial mist that hydrates, balances, and soothes dehydrated skin throughout the day.

3. Leave-In Hair Moisture Spray

Create a spray with Sodium PCA, panthenol, and botanical extracts like nettle or rosemary. It revives dull hair and reduces static without buildup.

4. Post-Sun Cooling Gel

Use Sodium PCA in an aloe-based gel with chamomile and cucumber extract to soothe skin and restore hydration after sun exposure.

5. Light Lotion for Humid Climates

Incorporate Sodium PCA in a non-greasy, fast-absorbing body lotion that delivers deep hydration without heaviness—perfect for warm weather use.

Rating based on hydration performance, stability, and compatibility across cosmetic products.

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – One of the best humectants for water-based serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Adds softening and moisture-retaining properties to emulsions.



Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Lightweight and ideal for hydrating mists or watery tonics.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Boosts hydration in wash-off and leave-on masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Reduces dryness in foaming or gel cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Helps retain moisture in hair strands and scalp.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Rarely used, but can support moisture balance in natural deodorants.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Gentle and effective in under-eye hydration formulas.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds softness and scalp hydration in shampoo blends.



Soaps
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not compatible with high pH saponification processes.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Improves combability, reduces frizz, and adds smoothness.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Not commonly used, but can hydrate in water-based lip serums.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Works best in lighter emulsified body butters, not in anhydrous formulas.

Q1: Is Sodium PCA better than Glycerin?

A1: Sodium PCA is less sticky and more skin-identical than glycerin. It’s a great alternative or complementary humectant in hydrating formulas.

Q2: Can I use Sodium PCA on sensitive skin?

A2: Yes! It’s gentle, non-irritating, and part of the skin’s own NMF. Great for even rosacea-prone or reactive skin types.

Q3: Does Sodium PCA need a preservative?

A3: Sodium PCA itself is not a preservative. You still need a broad-spectrum preservative system in your final formulation.

Q4: Is it suitable for hair care products?

A4: Absolutely. It helps moisturize the scalp and adds softness, especially in leave-in conditioners and sprays.

Q5: Will it make my product sticky?

A5: No. One of its best qualities is being highly hydrating without a greasy or sticky after feel.