Key component of the natural moisturizing factor

Sodium PCA

INCI: Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA, Key component of the natural moisturizing factor

In brief

  • What it is: the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, one of the main components of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor.
  • What it does: It’s hygroscopic: it draws in water and holds it in the outer layers, leaving skin feeling soft right away.
  • Who it’s for: dry skin or skin depleted by harsh cleansing, cold weather, and dry air, including sensitive skin.
  • Where to find it: HYALURON 8 HYDRA DEEP.

What Is Sodium PCA?

The Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, one of the most important substances in the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor , the system that keeps the stratum corneum hydrated and supple.

How it works on the skin

It is highly hygroscopic: it attracts and retains water in the surface layers, leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable right away. Since the skin already produces it, it is very well tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin.

Why skin becomes dry

In balanced skin, the stratum corneum contains around 15-20% water. When it drops below 10%, as often happens in winter, the skin becomes dry and fine flaking appears. The natural moisturizing factor helps keep it above that threshold.

When to replenish it

The natural moisturizing factor is water-soluble and is depleted by harsh cleansing, cold weather, and dry air. Replenishing Sodium PCA helps the skin regain its ability to retain water. Read more in our guide to dry or dehydrated skin.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sodium PCA used for in cosmetics?

It attracts water and retains it in the skin’s outer layers. Replenishing it helps the skin regain its ability to retain water when its natural moisturizing factor has been depleted.

Is Sodium PCA suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, since the skin already produces it, it is very well tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin.

Why does skin become dry in winter?

The natural moisturizing factor is water-soluble and is depleted by cold, dry air, and harsh cleansing. When the water content in the stratum corneum drops too low, the skin becomes dry and fine flaking appears.

The selection of ingredients is curated by Elisa Avalle, founder of LeLang and a dermocosmetics specialist. Each formula is created and developed in LeLang laboratories.

Which LeLang products can you find it in?
Hyaluron 8 Hydra Deep, siero viso all'acido ialuronico LeLang Skin Care, flacone 30 ml Hyaluron 8 Hydra Deep, siero viso all'acido ialuronico LeLang Skin Care, flacone 30 ml
Serum
30 ml

HYALURON 8 HYDRA DEEP

8-Form Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, Hydrating and Plumping
Hyaluronic acidSodium hyaluronateCross-linked hyaluronic acid
€49,00
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Discover the other ingredients
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
The peptide that acts on facial expressions
Reduces the intensity of expression-line contractions and supports the production of type I collagen.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
The peptide that reduces expression lines
Reduces the intensity of facial muscle contractions and diminishes the appearance of expression lines.
Acetyl sh-Hexapeptide-5
The peptide that reanchors the skin
Work on the beauty columns: the ligaments that support the oval of the face.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-40
The peptide for persistent redness
It acts on the LL-37 cathelicidin, which is involved in the dilation of superficial capillaries.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
The draining peptide for bags and dark circles
It acts on fluid retention in the eye area, reducing the puffy appearance of the eye contour.
Ferulic acid
The antioxidant that stabilizes others
Slows the oxidation of vitamins C and E and extends their effectiveness in the formula.
Hyaluronic acid
The humectant that retains water
It works differently depending on the molecular weight: on the surface or in the deeper layers.
Cationic hyaluronic acid
L’hyaluronic acid that clings
Positively charged, it binds to the skin’s surface and limits water loss over time.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
The lightest L hyaluronic acid
Short hyaluronic acid fragments that hydrate the surface layers and smooth fine lines.
Cross-linked hyaluronic acid
The net that retains water the longest
Three-dimensional structure that releases water over time instead of all at once.
Mandelic acid
The gentlest AHA on the skin
It exfoliates more slowly than other AHAs thanks to its larger molecule, causing less irritation.
Salicylic acid
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)
Cleanses deep into the pores, prevents future acne formation by keeping pores clean and free of oil and dead skin cells.
Damask rose water
Rose petal hydrosol
It has a pH close to the skin’s physiological pH and does not disrupt the acid mantle.
Thermal water
The minerals of the Piedmontese Alps
Rich in trace elements, known for its soothing and regenerating properties. Ideal for sensitive and irritated skin, it helps to hydrate, calm, and rebalance the skin, leaving it soft and refreshed.
Macrocystis brown algae
The seaweed that accompanies hyaluronic acid
Giant kelp extract combined with hyaluronic acid: hydration and marine trace elements.
Aloe vera
The polysaccharide that retains water
Polysaccharides form a film that retains water and provides immediate relief.
Powdered aloe vera
Dehydrated aloe juice
The same plant as the juice, but with the water removed: more concentrated and more stable.
Altea
Mucilages that reduce friction
The root’s mucilages form a film that reduces the feeling of tightness.
Alteromonas ferment extract
The exopolysaccharide with a smoothing effect
Forms a film that settles into surface lines, with an immediate smoothing effect.
Arginine
The amino acid that regulates pH
It is part of the NMF and brings acid-containing formulas to the correct pH.
Oats
Skin-soothing avenanthramides
Avenanthramides and beta-glucans: they soothe reactivity and form a moisturizing film.
Azeloglicine®
Tolerable azelaic acid
Water-soluble and active at low concentrations, where pure azelaic acid can be irritating.
Burdock
The purifying extract for blemished skin
Purifies the skin, reducing excess sebum and combating impurities, making it ideal for treating acne and oily skin.
Snail mucin
Allantoin, glycolic acid and elastin
Rejuvenates, hydrates, and illuminates the skin, reducing wrinkles, scars, and spots thanks to its nourishing and antioxidant properties.
Betaine
The humectant that softens cleansers
Deeply hydrates the skin, protects against irritation, and helps maintain the hydrolipidic balance, making it soft and soothed.
Bisabolol
The soothing power of chamomile
Reduces redness and the feeling of heat in easily reactive skin.
Bromelain
The exfoliating enzyme from pineapple
Dissolves the proteins that hold dead cells together, without mechanical friction.
Bulbine frutescens
The African juice that tightens the skin
Glycoproteins and polysaccharides from an African succulent: firmness and comfort.
Shea butter
The butter that rebuilds lipids
Rich in unsaponifiables: limits water loss and softens thickened areas.
Spiny Caesalpinia
The plant-based gum that hydrates for a long time
Forms a galactomannan network that gradually releases water over time.
Caffeine
The eye contour vasoconstrictor
It constricts superficial capillaries and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
Roman chamomile
The other chamomile, the distilled one
A species different from common chamomile: sweet esters instead of chamazulene.
Gardenia stem cells
The cell culture that protects collagen
It works on three fronts: it inhibits collagenase, reduces MMP-1, and stimulates new collagen production.
Red grape stem cells
The plant cell lysate
Grape cell culture: polyphenols at a constant concentration, independent of the harvest.
Coenzyme Q10
The mitochondrial antioxidant
It protects membrane lipids and is one of the few substances capable of regenerating vitamin E.
Plant collagen fragments
Collagen without animal-derived ingredients
A fragment of human collagen produced by a plant, not a synthetic peptide.
Dermotensor complex
The tensor film with an instant effect
Saponins form a film that exerts slight tension as it dries.
Olive cell culture
The olive tree that reactivates cells
Signaling lipids that reactivate mitochondrial fusion.
Turmeric
Curcuminoids that soothe the skin
In cosmetics, decolorized forms are used: pure curcumin would color the formula.
Beeswax and jojoba emulsifier
The emulsion that adapts to the climate
Reorganize the film according to temperature and humidity: compact in the cold, lightweight in the heat.
Marigold
The soothing power of orange flowers
Triterpenes and carotenoids: reduce reactivity and support barrier recovery.
Chamomile
The soothing phytocomplex of chamomile
Combines apigenin, bisabolol, and chamazulene: multiple modes of action at lower concentrations.
Echinacea
Root alkylamides
Alkylamides and polysaccharides: an immediate tightening sensation and a moisturizing film.
Sweet almond extract
The almond without the fatty part
Seed proteins and sugars: also suitable for rinse-off formulas.
Peppermint extract
Mint without the essential oil
Delivers the leaf’s polyphenols without the irritating effects of the essential oil.
Tephrosia purpurea
The neurocosmetic active ingredient for stress
It acts on the cortisol that the skin itself produces during periods of prolonged stress.
Fermented pomegranate
The antioxidant from fermented pomegranate
Fermentation makes the ellagic acid in pomegranates more readily available to the skin.
Lactobacillus cultures
Microbiome postbiotics
Not live bacteria, but their metabolites: they support the skin’s pH and microbiome.
Grape leaves
The part of the vine that protects the capillaries
Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins: the polyphenolic fraction closest to the microcirculation.
Glycerin
Most studied L'umettante
Attracts water to the surface layers and helps the barrier retain it: simple and effective.
Plant glycogen
The energy cells use to renew themselves
Ready-to-use glucose reserve: more ATP available for renewal processes.
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans
The hyaluronic acid family
Complex sugars from the same family as hyaluronic acid: they bind water and leave the skin supple and soft.
Acetylated hyaluronate
The L hyaluronic acid that remains
A modified formula that adheres better to the skin and keeps it hydrated for longer.
Kudzu
Root isoflavones
Puerarin and isoflavones: antioxidants recommended for mature skin.
Lycopene
The red carotenoid in tomatoes
Hydrolysis makes the lycopene in the peel available to the skin.
Mallow
The mucilages that soothe
Mucilages and anthocyanins: a protective film and comfort for sensitive skin.
Mallow flower and leaf
The flower together with the leaf
The flower adds anthocyanins to the mucilages already present in the leaf.
Matrixyl®
The peptide that supports collagen
It stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and glycosaminoglycans, improving the skin’s firmness and density.
Pomegranate
The fruit of polyphenols
Ellagitannins and ellagic acid: among the most extensively studied antioxidant phytocomplexes.
Field mint
The mint richest in menthol
Activates the skin’s cold receptors: the cooling sensation is immediate.
Mimosa
The tannin-rich bark
Known for its powerful regenerative and soothing properties, it promotes the repair of damaged skin and helps calm irritation and inflammation.
Fermented minerals
The five skin minerals
Zinc, copper, magnesium, iron, and silicon made more readily absorbable through fermentation.
Niacinamide
The vitamin B3 that does it all
Sebum, pores, blemishes and the skin barrier: it works on multiple fronts with excellent tolerability.
Argan oil
Fatty acids and vitamin E
Intensely nourishes the skin, promotes cell regeneration, and fights the signs of aging, leaving the skin soft and radiant.
Carrot oil
The beta-carotene that brightens
Helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and prevents premature cellular aging.
Rice bran oil
The oil rich in gamma-oryzanol
Gamma-oryzanol and vitamin E: nourishes and protects without weighing it down.
Prickly pear oil
The oil richest in vitamin E
The highest vitamin E content among vegetable oils, with a surprisingly lightweight texture.
Almond oil
The delicate oil of tradition
Oleic acid and vitamin E: an emollient also suitable for children’s skin.
Hazelnut oil
The oil that doesn’t weigh you down
Powerful nutrient agent with rapid absorption in the epidermis, rich in omega 6 and 9, vitamin B and E, natural antioxidant par excellence.
Rosehip oil
The regenerating carotenoid oil
Rich in essential polyunsaturated acids, it has antioxidant, emollient, and regenerating properties as well as powerful anti-aging capabilities.
Tephrosia seed oil
Oil-based neurocosmetics
The fat-soluble fraction of the seeds, for formulas where water is not involved.
Sesame oil
Antioxidant lignan oil
Sesamol and sesamin: lignans that protect the oil itself from becoming rancid.
Grapeseed oil
The lightweight non-comedogenic oil
Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, improves elasticity, and promotes a brighter and healthier appearance.
Geranium
The essential oil that rebalances
Geraniol and citronellol: a floral note and affinity with combination skin.
Mint
The freshness you feel right away
Menthol activates cold receptors: a cooling sensation without lowering the temperature.
Rosemary
The invigorating essential oil
Rosmarinic acid and cineole: an intense aromatic note and a toning sensation.
Sage
The purifying essential oil
Intense herbal note with a traditional affinity for combination skin.
Ylang ylang
The most intense flower of the tropics
Intense, long-lasting floral note, the star of body treatments.
Panthenol
Provitamin B5 that repairs
It retains water and supports the synthesis of lipids that keep the barrier intact.
Papain
Papaya enzyme exfoliant
Dissolves the protein bonds between dead cells, working across a wide pH range.
Peptides
Four families, different functions
Not a single ingredient: chains of amino acids with very different mechanisms.
Resveratrol
The grapevine polyphenol
The molecule produced by grapevines to defend themselves, studied among the most powerful antioxidants.
Sodium hyaluronate
The form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates
Smaller, more stable molecule: it reaches where pure hyaluronic acid stops.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Vitamin C that doesn’t oxidize
The phosphate salt protects the molecule until it encounters the skin’s enzymes.
Sodium PCA
The salt of natural hydration
One of the main components of the natural moisturizing factor: attracts and retains water.
Tea tree oil
Terpinen-4-ol for oily skin
Powerful natural ally with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for purifying the skin and combating imperfections.
Tocopherol
Natural-form vitamin E
Protects the lipids in the formula and those in the skin from the same reaction.
Urea
Biomimetic moisturizer
It is already part of the natural moisturizing factor: it draws water into the stratum corneum and softens the skin.
Mullein
The flower that smooths the surface
Mucilages and flavonoids that smooth the skin’s surface and even out the complexion.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C that doesn’t oxidize
A stable derivative: it remains active over time without turning yellow.
Vitamin E
The antioxidant that protects lipids
It integrates into cell membranes and protects their lipids from oxidation.
Vitis vinifera
The grape that gives the Langhe their name
Polyphenols and fruit acids: antioxidants with a gentle smoothing action.
Zinc PCA
Zinc that regulates sebum
Reduces the skin’s shiny appearance without dehydrating it, thanks to the combination of zinc and PCA.