What it is
Potassium olivoyl PCA is the potassium salt formed by linking fatty acids from olive oil to PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, an amino-acid-derived moiety). This structure makes it an amphiphilic, gentle surfactant that can help stabilize emulsions while conditioning the skin surface. In sunscreens it is typically used to improve mildness and the overall sensory profile.
Safety & warnings
Amino-acid-based surfactants of this type are generally regarded as mild and low-irritation. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen, and at typical use levels it is not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from olive oil fatty acids combined with PCA; a partly plant-derived surfactant.
Questions everyone asks
What is potassium olivoyl PCA made from?
It combines fatty acids sourced from olive oil with PCA, an amino-acid-derived component, as a potassium salt.
Why use it in a sunscreen?
It works as a mild surfactant and conditioning agent, helping stabilize the formula while keeping the feel gentle.