Ingredient · dataset v56

Sodium PCA and fungal acne

No known trigger

Why it's not a known trigger

A small cyclic humectant salt from the skin's own moisturizing factor chemistry; water-soluble, no fatty chain.

Evidence strength

Judged neutral — no trigger evidence

Function

Humectant

Also listed as

PCA, Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylate

Checked products with this ingredient (4)

Product types: Serums & Treatments, Sunscreens, Toners

Serums & Treatments (2)

Sunscreens (1)

Toners (1)

Related humectant

Sources

EU CosIng database — search the INCI name

Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).

Questions

Does Sodium PCA trigger fungal acne?

No known trigger: A small cyclic humectant salt from the skin's own moisturizing factor chemistry; water-soluble, no fatty chain.

Does Sodium PCA feed Malassezia?

No known link: Sodium PCA is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.

Is this medical advice?

No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.

Check a full list containing Sodium PCA →

Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.