Some of the best moisturizing ingredients are ones your skin already makes. Sodium PCA is one of them.
What Is Sodium PCA?
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a compound the skin produces from the amino acid glutamine. PCA is a key part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), a mix of water-attracting substances found inside the cells of the outer skin layer.
A 2004 review in Dermatologic Therapy describes NMF as essential for keeping the outer skin layer flexible and hydrated, and identifies PCA as one of its main components.
What It Does for Skin
Attracts and binds moisture. Sodium PCA is a humectant. It draws water to the skin's surface and helps hold it there, so skin feels soft and supple.
Mirrors skin's own system. Because PCA is part of NMF, adding it back supports the skin's own way of staying hydrated, especially when skin feels dry or tight.
Feels light. Sodium PCA hydrates without a heavy or sticky feel, so it works in serums, mists, foundations and hair care.
Where You'll Find It at True Colour Beauty
The Youthful Hydration Serum pairs Sodium PCA with two forms of hyaluronic acid. The pH Balance Hydrating Toner and the Prebiotics Face Mist use it for light hydration.
You'll also find it in the Peptide Renewal Moisturizer, the Peptide Foundation, and hair care such as the Moisturizing Shampoo.
How to Use It
Sodium PCA works in the background of a formula. Use products as directed and follow hydrating serums or mists with a moisturizer to help keep moisture in.
What the Research Doesn't Say
Sodium PCA is a supporting humectant. It helps skin feel hydrated, but it is one part of a formula and works best alongside emollients that help seal moisture in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium PCA natural?
PCA occurs naturally in skin. The cosmetic ingredient is typically made from plant-derived sources.
Is it the same as hyaluronic acid?
No. Both are humectants, but they are different molecules. They work well together.
Is it suitable for oily skin?
Yes. It hydrates without heaviness.
Are True Colour Beauty products cruelty-free?
Yes. True Colour Beauty is Leaping Bunny certified.
Hydration Your Skin Recognizes
Sodium PCA helps replenish one of skin's own moisture helpers. Explore the True Colour Beauty skincare collection.
Sources
Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:43-48.
Verdier-Sévrain S, Bonté F. Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007;6(2):75-82.
