PCA

AKA: L-Pyroglutamic acid, 98-79-3, Pyroglutamic acid, Pidolic acid, 5-oxo-L-proline, (2S)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, Pyroglu, GLUTIMIC ACID, (S)-(-)-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, 5-L-Oxoproline
Synthetic
Humectant
Clean
OriginPCA is synthesized from glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid, through chemical conversion. The synthesis involves cyclization of glutamic acid via pyroglutamic acid intermediate formation.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
Solubility 476000
Formula
C5H7NO3
Mol. Weight
129.11
CAS #
98-79-3
Form
Liquid
State
Solid; [Merck Index] White crystalline powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
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.
Moisturising
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Reviewed by CIR
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.000012–1.9%
Rinse-off0.001–0.0022%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR