Library
All Topics
Calcium PCA
Commonly known as:
Calcium PCA, Ca-PCA, Calcium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid
I.N.C.I. list name:
Calcium PCA.
Extraction process:
Reaction of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), obtained by thermal cyclisation of glutamic acid from beet molasses (dehydration reaction), with calcium oxide (CaO), stirring, filtration, atomisation.
Source:
Plant (L-PCA) and mineral (calcium oxide).
Botanical name:
Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot).
Family:
Chenopodiaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Fruit.
Provenance, origin:
France.
Chemical characteristics:
Trace element; Calcium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (L-PCA); Soluble in water and hydroalcoholic solutions; Recommended pH: 4.0 to 7.0.
Characteristics:
Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution, balm, suspension.
Dosage required in cosmetic products:
From 0.5 to 3%.
Function:
Humectant, skin-conditioning agent.
Properties:
Restructuring, hydrating, strengthens the skin barrier (stimulation of lipid synthesis), stimulates the cell differentiation process and activates skin repair
Benefits:
All skin typologies, especially dry skin, mature skin, damaged skin and sensitive skin; All hair typologies, particularly dry scalps.
Details
Uses
Face care (restructuring serums, day/night creams, cleansing gels, masks, eye contours, repairing balms, lip masks);
Body care (body milks, creams);
Hair care (revitalizing serums, scalp lotions);
Make-up (protective foundation).
Preservation
Store at room temperature away from light, moisture and heat.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
Calcium PCA has no particular contraindications. This active ingredient can be used on all skin types. Do not swallow. Avoid contact with eyes.
Find out more
Considered a transmitter involved in all the body's biochemical reactions, calcium is the trace element that triggers the differentiation phases of the epidermal cells. Calcium PCA allows the skin to ensure or recover its role of barrier by stimulating the process of cellular differentiation and by activating the synthesis of total epidermal lipids, and in particular ceramides. It also acts as a moisturizing agent to help the upper layers of the skin attract, absorb and retain water. The L-PCA part improves the absorption of zinc by the skin (increasing its bioavailability) and promotes hydration.