We don’t often like to get to technical here at The Naked Chemist.
So we sure are glad, that the ingredient Sodium Pyroglutamic Acid goes by the more common name of Sodium PCA.
What is sodium PCA
Technically: It is the sodium salt of Pyroglutamic Acid, a naturally occurring Amino Acid known as Proline, that is found in proteins.
The potassium salts or sodium is what makes the molecule water soluble and an effective humectant.
It has a number of roles in the personal care industry, depending on where it is extracted from:
- The PCA that is extracted from vegetable and grasses, is often used for its emollient properties in moisturisers
- PCA that is extracted from coconut oil, is used for its emulsification properties
- Algae and Seaweed, contain moderate levels of PCA, which is often used for its water binding properties
How sodium PCA is created
It is a completely natural ingredient that is derived from plants, fruits and coconut oil.
A fermentation process of sugars and starches is used, in order to create PCA.
Properties and Uses
Interestingly, this ingredient is one of the major components of our skins’ natural moisturizing factor (NMF), found at around 12%.
Both Sodium PCA and Urea, are ingredients that bind moisture to our skins cells.
When our skin has a good balance of oils and fats (lipids), our skin is well lubricated and has a smooth and healthy surface glow.
Retains moisture: In the world of skincare, it is considered an important humectant, this is due to the fact that it is extremely water absorbent and can hold several times its weight in water, thus helping to reduce loss of moisture, through evaporation.
In cosmetic chemistry, it is thought of as a stronger hydrating agent than traditional ingredients, such as Glycerine and Propylene Glycol.
Anti-ageing: Our skin naturally contains PCA, but as we age these levels drop quite considerably.
Protecting: Previously we’ve talked about the role of the acid mantle, and the inter-cellular glue that holds our skin cells together, which can be likened to the mortar that holds bricks together.
PCA is an important component of this intracellular matrix, preventing our skin cells from losing water and drying out.
Reduces inflammation: PCA is a great ingredient for helping to protect the acid mantle, it reduces inflammation in our skin, which it does by preventing surface irritation from becoming too serious, and penetrating deep into the epidermis.
Usage
- It is a clear almost syrupy liquid, that is soluble in water
- PCA is considered a low hazardous ingredient
- Studies have shown that even in concentrations up to 40%, no evidence of sensitivity or toxicity can be found
- I love the texture that sodium PCA gives to my products, it isn’t sticky and doesn’t alter the viscosity of the products in any way
Join me here tomorrow, when I look at the benefits of Panthenol, another fantastic humectant.
found this information very helpful and useful and I appreciate your efforts and your work
Wahida I am so happy you are finding this useful, any feed back is always inspiring
Hi, can you recommend some products that contain this ingredient? I am having trouble finding anything other than the Twinlabs spray and wanted some other options. Thx
Hi Ashley
Please keep an eye on the website, in the next 6 months, we will be sellng formulas that contain this ingredient in our dry skin range.
Hello, Have you found or produced a facial spray or other products with NaPca in them? I have found that the ‘Focus 21 Sea Plasma’ spray for face and hair as well as ‘Twinlabs NaPca’ are no longer available. I am currently using Nuskin facial mist which contains NaPca. Any further info would be appreciated.
Hi I can make this no problem if you want a customised product please contact me directly. Samantha
Samantha please keep these articles coming as they have opened up many new doors for me.
Thanks for the information would consider the same while reviewing the products with PCA.
Hi
Indeed i would please do contact me with more information. Kind rgds Samantha
Thank you for the information regarding PCA; i’VE been
trying to purchase the product NAPCA and found out that
Twinlab has stopped making it. I’m so disappointed;however there is still hope for me and others.
I will be certainly looking out for other products that have
PCA in. Thanks very much
Carol
Glad the article was of help to you Carol
I just bought some Na-pca twinlab from amazon.
I would be really interested to see what your thoughts are on this product and if in anyway it helped with the health of your skin. Thanks for reaching out Samantha
A couple years ago I stocked up the best I could with the focus 21 sea plasma products. I have one year of the spray moisturizer left. I’m a cancer survivor and these are the only products that were comfortable to use on my skin. Advise for a replacement would be appreciated.
I am so sorry Scott I can not help you with that one I have no idea. Kind regards samantha
Very usefull ?