Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid

Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid is derived from the amino acid of glutamic acid and is considered a natural moisturizing factor of the skin. Sugar cane is usually used for its production. Most important are the sodium and zinc salt of the pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and its salts (e.g. sodium salt) respectively play an important role in cosmetics and especially in skin and hair care. Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid is heat stable but should not be heated above 70 degrees Celsius if possible. The sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) is found in the human skin and protects against dehydration (component of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor "Natural Moisturizing Factor").