Database/Film Forming/Chitosan PCA
100% natural origin · ISO 16128

Is Chitosan PCA natural?

Yes. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer and PCA derives from fermentation glutamic acid by simple cyclisation; both natural origin.

INCI nameChitosan PCA
CAS117522-93-7
FunctionFilm Forming · Humectant
FeedstockChitosan from deacetylated crustacean-shell or fungal chitin, salted…

How we scored it

Chitosan (chitin-derived) + PCA (from fermentation-derived glutamic acid) salt, both natural fragments → 2/2 natural, 1.0.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Chitosan from deacetylated crustacean-shell or fungal chitin, salted with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid made from fermentation-derived glutamic acid.

In plain English

A moisturising, film-forming ingredient made from chitosan, from crustacean shells or fungi, combined with PCA, a natural component of skin's own moisturising factor. Used in skin and hair products.

CosIng definition: Chitosan, pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid salt

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2CHITOSAN PCA. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3CHITOSAN PCA. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=CHITOSAN%20PCA