Is Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) safe in cosmetics?
Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Excellent
Cosmetic Ingredient
Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA)
INCI: 2-PYRROLIDONE-5-CARBOXYLIC ACID
Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) (CAS 98-79-3 (L-form); 149-87-1 (DL-form)) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Humectant, moisturizing agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 98-79-3 (L-form); 149-87-1 (DL-form) →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Humectant, moisturizing agent
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR reviewed and concluded safe as used at concentrations up to 4%; reported in 106 formulations (2014 VCRP), max 1.9% in leave-on
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA).
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) allowed in the EU?
Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) do in cosmetics?
Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) functions as: Humectant, moisturizing agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 98-79-3 (L-form); 149-87-1 (DL-form).
Compliance Tools
Check Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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