Sodium PCA protects the skin against dryness by binding moisture to your dermis. It attracts water to the skin from the surrounding air. Added to anti-wrinkle and/or anti-oxidant creams, lotions and any product with a water phase will make a NOTICEABLE difference!!
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid (also known as PCA). PCA is a naturally occurring component of human skin and a part of the "natural moisturizing factors" (NMF) that maintain a healthy epidermis. Sodium PCA is very hygroscopic, attracting moisture from the air. It imparts a moist feeling to hair and skin. Sodium PCA applied to the skin is absorbed to a limited extent. It is non-comedogenic, nonirritating to the eye and skin -- even at concentrations up to 50%, and does not contribute to phototoxicity or sensitization. It is rapidly biodegradable. Soluble in water and ethanol and insoluble in oils, it is used for its powerful humectant properties in many skin and hair care products including gels, creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, lipsticks and foundations.
INCI: Sodium PCA Purity: 100% Physical Form: Clear Liquid Melting Point: N/A Applications: Topical Usage Rate: Up to 5% (start at a .5% or lower) Solubility: Water, Alcohol, Glycerin
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please keep your products out of humidity, heat, direct light and in a dark cabinet when possible:
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark:
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it out, warm it up at room temperature and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely won't hurt:
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs - all herbs (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herbs - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator or a dark place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
