Recommended Usage Rates for Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, and Urea

Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, and Urea are all components of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) and work together synergistically to provide excellent hydration.

When combining these three ingredients, the recommended usage rates depend on the desired effect, particularly whether you want moisturizing only or also skin exfoliation.

• For Moisturizing without significant exfoliation:

  • Sodium Lactate: Do not exceed 5% when used with Urea.
  • Urea: Do not exceed 2.5% when used with Sodium Lactate.
  • Sodium PCA: Can be used independently up to 10%. The general recommended range is 0.5-2% for moisturizing effect, but it is safe to use at higher concentrations up to 10%.
  • In this case, the total combined percentage would be the sum of the individual percentages used, keeping within these recommended limits for each ingredient. For example, you could use 5% Sodium Lactate, 2.5% Urea, and 2% Sodium PCA for a total of 9.5%.

• For Moisturizing with exfoliation:

  • If you desire a skin exfoliating effect, you can use higher concentrations of Sodium Lactate (up to 10%) and Urea (10-20%).
  • Sodium PCA remains independent and can still be used up to 10%.
  • The total percentage would be the sum of the amounts used for each ingredient, within their respective maximums for exfoliation.

It's important to note that Sodium PCA's function is primarily moisturizing and does not contribute to exfoliation in the same way as Sodium Lactate and Urea at higher concentrations. Therefore, its usage rate is considered independent of the exfoliating effect of the other two.

Always consider the overall formulation and skin sensitivity when determining the final concentrations.