Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA is a cosmetic ingredient used as an antistatic, hair conditioning agent. It appears in about 3% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 57 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameSODIUM PCA
FunctionANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING
CAS number28874-51-3
EC number249-277-1
Prevalence2,814 products (3.03% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies57 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches1,000

Used in

Serums 18.4%Toners 12.1%Face Cleansers 11.8%General Moisturizers 11.4%Shampoos 5.1%Body Washes 2.9%

Frequently asked

What does Sodium PCA do in skincare?
Sodium PCA functions as an antistatic, hair conditioning agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Sodium PCA allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Sodium PCA?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially serums (18.4% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Sodium PCA

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.