Quick answer
A skin-replenishing mineral electrolyte; Works with skin’s water channels to boost hydration and optimize moisture balance; Helps strengthen skin’s barrier; Deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Key benefits: Hydration.
Magnesium PCA
Updated
Magnesium 2-oxopyrrolidine-5-carboxylate
Purpose
Skin-replenishing mineral electrolyte that boosts hydration and optimizes skin’s barrier strength. Trains skin to maintain its moisture balance.
Rating
BEST
Category
Humectant
INCI Purpose
HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
A skin-replenishing mineral electrolyte
Works with skin’s water channels to boost hydration and optimize moisture balance
Helps strengthen skin’s barrier
Deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
Article
Magnesium PCA is the magnesium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), which is part of skin’s intercellular matrix. Magnesium PCA therefore plays an influential role in what’s known as skin’s natural moisturizing factor.
As an electrolyte mineral, magnesium plays a role in enhancing skin hydration and barrier repair. It also influences how skin cells move through skin’s surface layers, how they shed, and how skin responds to external stimuli.
Interestingly, pure magnesium and some forms such as magnesium chloride have a difficult time penetrating skin. Linking magnesium with PCA helps to overcome this issue, allowing skin to benefit. Magnesium PCA works with skin’s aquaporins (water channels) to boost hydration and train skin to maintain its moisture balance.
Magnesium PCA has been deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Their report surveyed products containing between 0.1-0.18% magnesium PCA.
See: Potassium PCA, Calcium PCA, PCA
References