Humectant Sodium PCA in Skin Care Products for Superior Hydration and Beautiful Skin
Humectants are a class of skin care ingredients that are designed to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Some humectants are synthetic, and some are natural, such as the ones used in Skintessence products.
A popular, well-known humectant is hyaluronic acid. Another very effective yet less-mentioned humectant is sodium PCA, which can be derived from plants, including coconut oil and seaweed.
What is Sodium PCA?
Dubbed one of the top “10 humectants to look for in your next skin hydrator” by Vogue and touted also by other beauty publications such as Allure, StyleCraze and Byrdie, sodium PCA is a powerful humectant that helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It works by attracting water molecules from the air and drawing them into the skin, where they are held in place by the amino acids in the skin's own moisturizing factor. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, sodium PCA also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and can soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
Which is better—Sodium PCA or hyaluronic acid?
It depends on the purpose of the formulation. While hyaluronic acid holds more of its weight in water, sodium PCA may provide a stronger protective barrier. In many instances, sodium PCA is used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid.
In products with any (or both) of these ingredients, you can’t go wrong, unless the products are mass-produced with a low, ineffective amount of the humectants and contain fillers. Make sure you’re looking for and investing in products that are professional-grade and small-batch. At Skintessence, we offer several professional-grade products with natural humectant sodium PCA:
Cleansers:
This body gel & scrub combines the best of both worlds: a powerful botanical, aromatic body cleanser with gentle exfoliant that's perfect for everyday use! Fruit enzymes work to remove excess proteins and cleanse the top layer of skin. Jojoba beads provide safe and effective exfoliation, and along with humectant sodium PCA, provide an important moisture barrier for the skin.
Save with sets! This product is included in the Hand + Body Set.
Size: 8 fl. oz | e 240 ml
This gentle yet powerful foaming cleanser won't strip your skin of its own protection. Hyaluronic acid and Sodium PCA work to maintain your skin's natural moisture barriers. Grape Seed Extract helps soften the skin and Aloe Vera calms inflammation. The select combination of botanicals work together to thoroughly removes makeup and environmental impurities.
Save with sets! This product is included in sets in the Essentials Collection and Ageless Collection.
Size: 8 fl. oz | e 240 ml
This cleanser contains a trifecta of ingredients that are masterful at combating acne-prone skin caused by overproduction of oil and environmental stress. Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) is a powerful exfoliant derived from natural sugar sources. Beta Hydroxy (BHA) is instrumental in minimizing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving skin texture. This product thoroughly cleanses and removes makeup and environmental impurities; natural enzymes help to exfoliate without stripping skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Save with sets! This product is included in sets in the Rescue Collection.
Size: 8 fl. oz | e 240 ml
Masks:
Pineapple + Papaya Enzymes are the absolute superstars at naturally exfoliating your skin, repairing sun damage, and leaving it brighter, firmer, and more even-toned. Micro Jojoba spheres release moisture and nourishment, leaving your skin luminous.
Save with sets! This product is included in sets in the Essentials Collection, Ageless Collection, and Influencer Collection.
Size: 2 fl. oz | e 60 ml
When your skin is showing the signs of the long summer, treat yourself to this powerful, great-smelling pumpkin enzyme exfoliator mask. A highly effective sun-damage corrector, this mask improves the appearance of fine and deep lines, smooths and plumps the skin, and improves overall tone and texture. Learn more about pumpkin enzymes from our blog.
Size: 2 fl. oz | e 60 ml
Get some "spring in your skin!" A gentle yet effective natural chemical exfoliator, herbal enzymes renew dull, dry skin caused by exposure to winter's environmental stressors. This mask improves texture and brightens, and helps repair winter sun damage.
Size: 2 fl. oz | e 60 ml
Serums & Moisturizers:
Say bye to the tired eye! Vitamin C and peptides help to revive tired, puffy eyes and brighten dark circles. Pentapeptides improve collagen and elastin production and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Save with sets! This product is included in sets in the Essentials Collection, Influencer Collection, and Rescue Collection.
Size: 1 fl. oz | e 30 ml
This night-time professional grade glycolic concentrate is a great spot treatment but can also be used as an overall glycolic treatment for your face and neck. It significantly lightens the appearance of sun damaged skin, increases the skin’s natural exfoliation, and promotes hydration by renewing native skin collagen.
Size: 1 fl. oz | e 30 ml
Acne-prone customers swear by this moisturizer not only for its anti-bacterial properties but also because it balances skin's natural oil production. Hops, Rosemary, Sage and Ginseng help to refine, tone, and tighten while Azulene and Allantoin soothe, heal, and protect from moisture loss.
Save with sets! This product is included in sets in the Influencer Collection.
Size: 2 fl. oz | e 60 ml
While sodium PCA may be lesser-known than its sister humectant hyaluronic acid, it’s a very powerful ingredient for anyone who wants to hydrate, moisturize, and feel amazing in their skin!
Sources:
Skintessence, International Dermal Institute, Vogue India, Byrdie, Allure
Don't waste time and money with standard over-the-counter products with false promises and fillers. Choose Skintessence for highly effective, professional-grade skin care, and discover why nearly 100% of our customers come back for more. Learn more about our founder and shop Skintessence today.
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