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Sodium PCA vs Glycerin
Wondering what everyones experiences are between the two. PCA claims to be able to hold “several times its weight” making it more effective and hydrating than glycerin but we all know how many baseless claims there are in the cosmetic world.
Also, what is your opinion on using humectants in hair products?
Obviously they can be useful in in certain dryer climates but also can have a undesired effect if the climate is humid rather than dry also so is it beneficial overall to include them or better to leave them out? Would the use of Polymers/silicones etc be enough to override the use of a humectant and make it redundant anyhow?
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6 Replies
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Glycerin is the standard humectant that all others are compared to. On a cost basis, it works the best. Someone selling Sodium PCA or a product with it in it will undoubtedly give reasons why PCA is better. I’d be skeptical.
Humectants in leave-on products are helpful for moisturizing hair and keeping it more flexible. They are a waste of an ingredient in a rinse-off product since they simply end up down the drain.
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The major difference between Glycerin and Sodium PCA is that Glycerin is a bit better humectant than Sodium PCA and it is cheaper. The drawback is that Glycerin has a sticky skin sensorial. So, whether you use one or another all depends on the application and type of product. If it’s a water-based Toner or Serum, Sodium PCA will give you a better skin sensorial … no stickly afterfeel. If it’s a cream, Glycerin will work just fine.
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@MarkBroussard - I agree with that.
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Perfect, thank you all
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I would use sodium lactate in a toner. It’s much cheaper than sodium pca and very similar (not sticky). But you will need a fragrance as it has a bit of a weird smell.
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I prefer Propanediol and Butylene Glycol over all of them. And Hyaluronic Acid. Sodiums Lactate and PCA don’t feel as effective to me.
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