PCA Dimethicone

PCA Dimethicone is an isomer of the natural moisturizing factor “PCA” covalently bonded to a silicone backbone. It is designed for easy addition to leave-on and rinse-off conditioning and cleansing products.

The pyrrolidone carboxylic acid group greatly reduces the interfacial tension between water and silicone and has a very high affinity for keratin protein. This is because each PCA group holds several units of moisture and forms ionic bonds with any free amino group on the hair shaft.

The recommended formulation step is using this premix at about 5% level (as is) in a conditioner or shampoo. The end result is a product that is easier to formulate at lower temperatures and gives a higher degree of slip, volume and conditioning. Recommended pH range of the product is 4.5 to about 7 to maximize the slip properties.

FUNCTION. Sensory ModifierMoisturizerHair conditioningSkin conditioning