Calcium PCA

Best

Humectant

Calcium PCA at a glance

  • Key component of skin’s natural moisturizing factor
  • As a skin care ingredient, this mineral electrolyte helps replenish skin’s barrier
  • Works as a humectant to draw and hold moisture in skin’s uppermost layers
  • Deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel

Calcium PCA description

Calcium PCA is the calcium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), which is a key component of skin's natural moisturising factor, or NMF. The NMF plays a role in keeping skin's barrier healthy and intact. Calcium plays a critical role in skin, influencing how new cells are formed and how they move from the lower layer (dermis) to the surface (epidermis). Within skin's layers, calcium serves to orchestrate many aspects of maintenance and repair. Topically, calcium PCA helps replenish skin's barrier and works as a humectant to draw and hold moisture in skin's uppermost layers.

Calcium PCA references

  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2019, pages 5S-11S
  • https://online.personalcarecouncil.org/ctfa-static/online/lists/cir-pdfs/PRS683.pdf
  • Annals of Dermatology, June 2018, pages 265-275
  • Experimental Gerontology, August 2015, pages 59-65
  • European Journal of Dermatology, November-December 2014, pages 650-661
  • Yonsei Medical Journal, June 2006, pages 293-306

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.