Ingredient

pca

Low risk

FunctionHumectant

What it is — PCA (INCI: PCA), short for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, is a component of the skin's own natural moisturising factors. In cosmetics it is used as a humectant.

What it does — It helps bind water in the upper layers of skin, supporting a soft, hydrated, comfortable surface.

Typical use — It appears in toners, essences, serums, creams and scalp products, usually as a supporting hydrator, and is often seen in its salt form (such as sodium PCA).

Who it suits / good to know — Generally suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Like other humectants, it performs best sealed in with a moisturiser, especially in dry air.

Safety — DHALIORA grades it low risk: a skin-identical humectant that is well tolerated. This reflects the ingredient in general and is not medical advice; patch-test if your skin is easily irritated.

Why we grade it Low: Low risk - humectant/amino conditioning agent, well tolerated.
Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 0 DHALIORA products

Not currently in any DHALIORA product.

How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
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