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Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA, also called pyroglutamic acid). PCA is made by heating glutamic acid, which closes it into a ring, and it is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Brands usually buy sodium PCA as a clear, nearly colorless aqueous solution of about 50%, and less often as a powder, for use as a humectant in skin and hair products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate · sodium pyroglutamate · sodium 5-oxo-DL-prolinate · CAS 54571-67-4
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium PCA

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • 50% aqueous solution

    The usual commercial form, sold by its stated sodium PCA percentage.

  • Powder

    Dried sodium PCA, which is hygroscopic and used where water must be limited.

  • Plant-derived or fermentation-sourced

    Sodium PCA made from glutamic acid produced by fermentation of plant sugars, for brands that document natural origin.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Sodium PCA content by titration or HPLC against the stated percentage.
pH
pH of the solution or of a set dilution.
Color and clarity
APHA color and appearance; yellowing indicates degradation.
Free glutamic acid
Unconverted glutamic acid by HPLC where specified.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold for aqueous solutions.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep sodium PCA solution in closed containers at room temperature, protected from heat. The powder is hygroscopic and must be kept sealed and dry. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier.

Lots and expiry dates

Dose by the stated assay, since solution strength can differ slightly between lots, and record pH and color at receipt. Use older lots first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sodium PCA suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium PCA suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of sodium PCA can brands buy?

Common forms include 50% aqueous solution, powder and plant-derived or fermentation-sourced. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium PCA include?

Expect assay, pH, color and clarity, free glutamic acid, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium PCA be stored?

Keep sodium PCA solution in closed containers at room temperature, protected from heat. The powder is hygroscopic and must be kept sealed and dry. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier.

What is the regulatory status of sodium PCA?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium PCA (CAS 54571-67-4) as an approved chemical name with humectant and skin-conditioning agent (humectant) as non-medicinal purposes, for topical use. The same entry says these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products containing nitrosating agents.

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