Magnesium PCA

AKA: Magnesium pyrrolidone carboxylate, Magnesium 2-oxopyrrolidine-5-carboxylate, 5819-47-6, Bis(5-oxo-DL-prolinato-N1, O2)magnesium, 85994-32-7, Magnesium L-pidolate
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginMagnesium PCA is synthesized from pyroglutamic acid (PCA) and magnesium salts, both produced through chemical synthesis. The compound is created by combining magnesium ions with PCA through chelation or salt formation reactions.
Magnesium 2-oxopyrrolidine-5-carboxylate
Formula
C10H12MgN2O6
Mol. Weight
280.52
CAS #
5819-47-6
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.1%
Rinse-off0.18%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR