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Magnesium PCA
Commonly known as:
Magnesium PCA, Mg-PCA, Magnesium salt of pyrrolidone-carboxylic acid, 2-oxo-pyrrolidine-5-carboxylate of magnesium, Magnesium salt of pidolic acid, Magnesium salt of pyroglutamic acid.
I.N.C.I. list name:
Magnesium PCA.
Extraction process:
The reaction of pyrrolidone-carboxylic acid (PCA), obtained through thermal cyclisation of glutamic acid derived from beet molasses (dehydration reaction), with magnesium oxide (MgO), involves stirring, filtration, and atomisation.
Source:
Vegetal (L-PCA) and mineral (magnesium oxide).
Botanical name:
Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot).
Family:
Chenopodiaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Fruits.
Provenance, origin:
France.
Chemical characteristics:
Oligo-element; Magnesium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid; Molecular weight: 129 g/mol; Soluble in water.
Characteristics:
Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution, hydroalcoholic solution, aerosol, foam, suspension, oily solution, aqueous solution.
Dosage required in cosmetic products:
From 0.5 to 3%.
Function:
Humectant, a skin maintenance agent.
Properties:
Regenerating, revitalising, hydrating.
Benefits:
All skin types and particularly recommended for mature skin, skin lacking radiance, stressed skin and tired skin; All hair types, especially dull hair.
Details
Usage
Facial Care (energising day creams, regenerating night creams, radiance serums, peelings, after-shave lotions, toning foams, facial cleansers, relaxing masks); Body Care (hand creams, toning body milks/creams, massage gels, scrubs, relaxing shower gels) Hair Care (volume shampoos, hair lotions, scalp energising serum, energising hair masks); Hygiene (deodorants); Makeup (foundations, blushes, under-eye concealer).
Method of Preservation
Store at room temperature, protected from light, moisture, and heat.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
Magnesium PCA does not present any specific contraindications. This active ingredient can be used on all skin types. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with the eyes.
Find out more
Magnesium PCA is a form of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a naturally occurring cyclic organic compound found in the composition of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). Magnesium is an essential mineral for energy production in cells (Krebs cycle). Binding it with PCA enhances its penetration into the skin (increasing its bioavailability). This in turn improves hydration and repair of the skin barrier, as well as helping to diminish or prevent the first visible signs of ageing. With their energising properties, magnesium PCA salts also revitalise stressed, tired and dull skin.
