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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-1301 |
| Product Name | PCA |
| CAS | 98-79-3 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-Carboxylate |
| IUPAC Name | (2S)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid |
| Molecular Weight | 129.11 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C5H7NO3 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H7NO3/c7-4-2-1-3(6-4)5(8)9/h3H,1-2H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9)/t3-/m0/s1 |
| InChI Key | ODHCTXKNWHHXJC-VKHMYHEASA-N |
| Boiling Point | 239 °C |
| Melting Point | 160-163 °C |
| Purity | 0.98 |
| Density | 1.38 g/mL |
| Appearance | White to off-white solid |
| Highest Usage In Residency Products | 0.0184 |
| Isomeric SMILES | C1CC(=O)N[C@@H]1C(=O)O |
| pKa | 3.32 |
Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA), a naturally occurring amino acid found in the skin, is integral to maintaining skin hydration and barrier function. As a metabolite of Filaggrin, PCA plays a crucial role in the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), demonstrating exceptional water-binding properties that enhance hydration, elasticity, and volume. Its efficacy extends to sodium salts like sodium pyroglutamate (NaPCA), popular in skincare for their strong hydrating effects, which help retain moisture and restore lipid structures, thereby improving the skin's barrier function. Cold climates can hinder Filaggrin degradation, making PCA-enriched products beneficial for those in such environments, as well as for individuals with dry or atopic skin conditions. The effectiveness of PCA is underscored by its contribution to sustaining the water content in the stratum corneum, essential for maintaining the skin's softness, flexibility, and elasticity.
What is PCA, and why is it important for skin health?
PCA, or Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid, is an amino acid naturally occurring in the skin. It is a key component of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), which help retain moisture within the epidermis. By maintaining adequate hydration levels, PCA contributes to skin softness, flexibility, and elasticity. Its ability to bind water makes it essential for healthy skin barrier function and overall skin health.
How does PCA contribute to skin hydration?
PCA is the most hygroscopic amino acid in the epidermis, meaning it has a strong ability to bind water. This property allows it to provide long-lasting hydration by maintaining an optimal water level in the horny layer of the skin. As part of the NMF components, PCA ensures that the skin remains soft, elastic, and adequately hydrated.
Can PCA help improve the skin's barrier function?
Yes, PCA can enhance the skin's barrier function. It not only provides hydration by binding water but also helps restore the lipid structures in the skin that are crucial for barrier integrity. By supporting a healthy lipid and protein balance in the epidermis, PCA contributes to the strengthening and repair of the skin's barrier function.
Why is PCA particularly beneficial for people in cold climates?
Cold weather can negatively affect the natural degradation process of filaggrin, a protein vital for skin barrier function. This can lead to reduced production of PCA, making the skin more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. For individuals living in colder climates, or those frequently exposed to air-conditioning, using skincare products containing PCA can help compensate for this deficiency and maintain skin hydration.
Who can benefit from using PCA in skincare?
PCA is beneficial for individuals with dry skin or those with atopic conditions, as it helps maintain moisture and skin elasticity. Additionally, it is valuable for people exposed to harsh environmental conditions like cold weather or air-conditioned environments, which can deplete the skin's natural moisture levels. By incorporating PCA into skincare routines, these individuals can experience improved hydration and skin health.
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