What it is
PCA is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, and its salts are used in cosmetics to attract and hold water at the skin surface. Calcium PCA provides the humectant benefit of PCA together with the calcium counter-ion. It is typically used in moisturizing and conditioning formulas, including sun care products, at modest levels.
Safety & warnings
PCA salts are generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations and are commonly used in leave-on moisturizing products.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced as the calcium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a molecule also found naturally in skin.
Questions everyone asks
What is Calcium PCA used for?
It is used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping the formula draw and retain moisture at the skin surface.
Is PCA related to the skin's own moisturizing system?
Yes, PCA is part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, which is why its salts are valued as humectants in cosmetics.