Sodium Pca
Also known as Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Pyroglutamate, NaPCA, Sodium 2-Pyrrolidone-5-Carboxylate
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel (2019) confirmed that PCA and its salts, including Sodium PCA, are safe in cosmetics at present practices of use and concentration, with the qualification that they should not be used in products where N-nitroso compounds can form. Sodium PCA is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and has been shown to function as an effective humectant at concentrations of at least 2% in appropriate vehicles. It is nonirritating and nonsensitizing in clinical testing up to 50% concentration.
Component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Effective humectant — attracts and retains moisture in the stratum corneum
Nonirritating and nonsensitizing at cosmetic use concentrations
Assists in restoring ordered lipid bilayer structure in skin
- · Should not be incorporated into formulations where N-nitroso compound formation is possible
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — SODIUM PCA row: Finding=SQ, Citation=IJT 18(S2):25-34, 1999; Final report 12/2014 …
“Sodium PCA SQ safe as used; should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed IJT 18(S2):25-34, 1999; Final report 12/2014 available from CIR”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 122