Loved
            
          
          PCA
              Hydrating 
            
            
                These ingredients help hydrate the skin by either drawing in moisture or preventing it from escaping. They're often used to keep skin feeling soft, smooth, and well-balanced.
            
          Explained
PCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.
As a humectant, PCA helps draw and hold moisture to the skin. Studies show it is effective at helping the skin stay hydrated long-term.
See all 924 products with PCA
                      Users who like it
                      
                    
                        97%
                      
                    
                      Users who avoid it
                      
              
                        3%
                      
                    What it does
                      Humectant
                      
                        A substance that promotes retention of moisture.
                      
                    
                    
                      Moisturising
                      
                        To add or restore moisture
                      
                    
                Alternative names
                      Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid
                    
                  
                    Prevalence
                  
                    Less common
                    
                      Percentage of products that contain it
                    
                  
                  
                  
                    0.9%
                  
                
                    Top categories
                    
                        
                  
                  
                          Treatments
                        
                        
                          Haircare
                        
                        
                          Cleansers
                        
                    
                    
                      Position
                      
                        Predominant list placement
                      
                    
                    
              
                      Bottom 50%
                    
                  References
Products with PCA
CosIng Data
              CosIng ID
              77186
            
            
              INCI Name
              PCA
            
              
                INN Name
                pidolic acid
              
              
                EC #
                 202-700-3
              
              
                All Functions
                Humectant, Moisturising