PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), often as sodium PCA, is a naturally occurring component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that attracts and binds water to the stratum corneum. It is used in skincare to improve hydration and skin softness.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Rare | More likely on compromised or sensitized skin |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case-type reports; PCA is generally well tolerated |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Usually associated with high concentrations or individual sensitivity |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.