Sodium PCA — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: SODIUM PCA
Also known as: NaPCA, Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylate
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 28874-51-3
- Category
- humectant
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- moisturizer, serum
Is Sodium PCA safe in cosmetics?
Sodium PCA is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera. Commonly found in moisturizer, serum.
What is Sodium PCA?
Sodium PCA is a humectant commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Sodium PCA is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Humectant Ingredients
Humectants attract water molecules from the environment and from deeper skin layers, drawing moisture into the stratum corneum. They are among the safest cosmetic ingredients — molecules like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol have extremely low sensitisation rates and are well-tolerated by almost all skin types.
Relevance for Sodium PCA: In very low humidity environments, humectants can draw moisture out of the skin rather than into it. This is particularly relevant for high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid applied to dry skin without an occlusive layer to seal moisture in.
How to Identify Sodium PCA in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Sodium PCA, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Moisturizer, Serum. These product categories are the most common sources of Sodium PCA exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Sodium PCA? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Sodium PCA and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium PCA safe for sensitive skin?
Sodium PCA is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain Sodium PCA?
Sodium PCA is commonly found in moisturizer, serum.
What does Sodium PCA do in cosmetics?
Sodium PCA functions as a humectant in formulations.
Related Guides
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Contact Dermatitis Guide
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Is Sodium PCA causing YOUR skin reactions?
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