Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PCA DIMETHICONE.

Valuable CAS 179005-03-9 / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING

PCA Dimethicone is a specialized silicone derivative engineered to enhance skin and hair hydration. By covalently bonding the natural moisturizing factor PCA with a dimethicone backbone, it effectively binds moisture, reduces transepidermal water loss, and imparts a luxurious, silky feel to the skin.

Summary

Hair conditioning Skin conditioning Emollient Humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This unique molecule combines pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), an isomer of a natural moisturizing factor, with a silicone structure. The PCA moiety lowers the interfacial tension between water and silicone and demonstrates a high affinity for keratin proteins, enabling it to attract and retain moisture through ionic bonding with free amino groups. As an emollient, it forms a hydrated, lamellar silicone film on the skin's surface, which actively minimizes transepidermal water loss, boosts hydration levels, and delivers a notably smooth and silky skin feel. This film additionally contributes to a protective barrier against external irritants and allergens.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.25–10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Commonly integrated into leave-on moisturizing products at concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 10.0% for its significant hydrating and sensorial benefits, based on supplier data.
  2. 02 Recommended by suppliers at a premix level of 5% in conditioners and shampoos to optimize hair slip, volume, and conditioning properties.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data available suggests PCA Dimethicone commonly causes dusting in cosmetic formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal performance, particularly concerning its slip-enhancing properties, is observed within a pH range of 4.5 to 7.0. While the dimethicone backbone generally resists most chemical substances, it can be adversely affected by strong acids. This ingredient can be successfully added to formulations at lower processing temperatures.

Conflicts

  • Strong acids may compromise the stability and integrity of the dimethicone backbone.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Dimethicone and related substituted-methicone polymers are safe when formulated to be non-irritating in cosmetic products. Insufficient data was available to determine safety for products incidentally inhaled via airbrush devices. According to suppliers, PCA Dimethicone itself presents low risk for skin safety or sensitization.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PCA Dimethicone is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, significantly enhancing skin hydration, barrier integrity, and sensorial elegance across all skin types, supported by a favorable safety profile.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…