Sodium PCA 50% Liquid Solution – Hydrating Humectant

Product Overview

Sodium PCA Liquid is a water-soluble moisturising ingredient used in skincare and haircare formulations to help attract and retain moisture.

Sodium PCA is naturally found in the skin as part of its Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF), a group of substances that help the skin maintain hydration.

Supplied as an aqueous solution, this ingredient is easy to incorporate into water-based formulations, making it suitable for everything from lightweight facial serums and toners to moisturising creams, lotions and hair conditioners.

Key Features & Benefits

• Moisture-binding properties: Acts as a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture.

• Supports skin hydration: Helps formulate products designed to maintain skin moisture and comfort.

• Naturally present in skin: Sodium PCA is a component of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF).

• Convenient liquid format: Supplied as a solution, ready for incorporation into the water phase.

• Versatile applications: Suitable for skincare, body care and haircare formulations.

• Water-soluble: Mixes readily with water and other compatible water-based ingredients.

• No added preservatives: Contains Sodium PCA and water, without added preservatives.

Common Applications

Sodium PCA can be incorporated into a variety of cosmetic formulations, including:

• Hydrating facial serums and ampoules

• Facial toners and refreshing mists

• Moisturising face creams and lotions

• Body lotions and creams

• Hydrating sheet masks

• Shampoos and hair conditioners

• Hair masks and scalp-care products

• Moisturising makeup bases and foundations

Formulation Guidance

Recommended Usage Rates

• Facial Toners & Mists: 2–4%

• Hydrating Serums: 4–8%

• Face Creams & Lotions: 3–6%

• Shampoos, Conditioners & Hair Masks: 1.5–5%

• Sheet Mask Essences: 3–7%

• Body Lotions & Creams: 2–5%

• Makeup Bases & Foundations: 1–3%

Solubility: Fully miscible with water, glycerin and propylene glycol. Not soluble in oils or silicones.

Incorporation: Add to the water phase of the formulation, preferably at room temperature or below 60°C. It can also be added during the cool-down stage when working with heat-sensitive ingredients.

Processing Temperature: Maximum recommended processing temperature is 80°C. Avoid prolonged heating at high temperatures, as this may cause discolouration.

Recommended Formulation pH: 6.0–7.5. The ingredient is reported to remain stable within a broader pH range of 4.5–8.0.

Compatibility: Compatible with many commonly used cosmetic ingredients, including humectants, thickeners and surfactants. Avoid strongly acidic or alkaline conditions and high concentrations of heavy metal salts. Always assess compatibility within the finished formulation.

INCI: Sodium PCA, Aqua (Water)

Concentration: 50–52% Sodium PCA in water

Appearance: Clear, pale yellow liquid

 Formulators should select an appropriate preservation system and carry out suitable stability and microbiological testing.

Customers are responsible for ensuring that their finished formulations are safe, appropriately assessed and compliant with applicable cosmetic regulations.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Keep the container closed when not in use and use clean dispensing equipment to minimise contamination.

Shelf life: Up to 2 years from the manufacturing date when stored under recommended conditions in the original, unopened packaging. Refer to the product label or batch documentation for the applicable expiry date.

Important Information

This product is supplied as a cosmetic raw material for use in the formulation and manufacture of finished cosmetic products. It is not intended for direct application as a finished skincare or haircare product.

For external cosmetic use only.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)                    VIEW PDF

Safety Data Sheet     (SDS)                        VIEW PDF