ACTIVE INGREDIENTS · SODIUM PCA

Sodium PCA

Part of skin's natural moisturising factor. Restores what cleansing strips back out.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS · SODIUM PCA

Part of skin’s own moisture system, restored topically.

Sodium PCA is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factor, the group of molecules that keep the outer skin layer hydrated from within. It is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the surface and holds it with a lightweight, non-sticky feel. Cleansing strips sodium PCA from the surface, which is one reason that post-cleanse tightness is so common. OVESSI restores it in toners and serums as part of the rehydration sequence after each cleanse.

  • OVESSI Hero
    The Polish : Resurfacing Kojic Exfoliator The Polish : Resurfacing Kojic Exfoliator

    The Polish : Resurfacing Kojic Exfoliator

    Skin feels newly surfaced. Brighter where it once looked dull.

    The Polish : Resurfacing Kojic Exfoliator

    Skin feels newly surfaced. Brighter where it once looked dull.
    $45
    $45
  • The Gaze : Retinol-Alternative Eye Serum The Gaze : Retinol-Alternative Eye Serum

    The Gaze : Retinol-Alternative Eye Serum

    The eye area looks smoother, never pulled. Quiet care, applied nightly.

    The Gaze : Retinol-Alternative Eye Serum

    The eye area looks smoother, never pulled. Quiet care, applied nightly.
    $45
    $45
  • The Renewal : Retinol-Alternative Moisturiser The Renewal : Retinol-Alternative Moisturiser

    The Renewal : Retinol-Alternative Moisturiser

    Texture softens overnight. Skin you wake to feels rested.

    The Renewal : Retinol-Alternative Moisturiser

    Texture softens overnight. Skin you wake to feels rested.
    $45
    $45
  • The Pull : Kaolin & Charcoal Pore Mask The Pull : Kaolin & Charcoal Pore Mask

    The Pull : Kaolin & Charcoal Pore Mask

    Pores feel emptied and quiet. Skin reads smoother once it dries.

    The Pull : Kaolin & Charcoal Pore Mask

    Pores feel emptied and quiet. Skin reads smoother once it dries.
    $55
    $55
  • The Restore : Blemish Care Moisturiser The Restore : Blemish Care Moisturiser

    The Restore : Blemish Care Moisturiser

    Comfort for skin prone to breakouts. Soft where it once felt tight.

    The Restore : Blemish Care Moisturiser

    Comfort for skin prone to breakouts. Soft where it once felt tight.
    $45
    $45
  • OVESSI Hero
    The Clean Slate : Blemish Purifying Face Wash

    The Clean Slate : Blemish Purifying Face Wash

    Skin feels clear and calm after rinsing. Less shine by midday.

    The Clean Slate : Blemish Purifying Face Wash

    Skin feels clear and calm after rinsing. Less shine by midday.
    $45
    $45

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Sodium PCA questions

What is the natural moisturising factor?
The natural moisturising factor is a group of water-soluble compounds in the outer skin layer that maintain its hydration, flexibility, and barrier function. It includes amino acids, urea, lactate, and sodium PCA, among others. When it is depleted by cleansing or environmental stress, skin feels tight and dry.
How does sodium PCA compare to hyaluronic acid as a humectant?
Both are humectants but they are structurally different. Hyaluronic acid is a large polysaccharide that holds water at and above the surface. Sodium PCA is a small, skin-identical molecule that integrates into the natural moisturising factor at the surface layer. They complement each other and many OVESSI formulas use both.
Is sodium PCA suitable for oily skin?
Yes. Sodium PCA is lightweight and non-greasy, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types. It adds hydration without adding oil content or occlusion, which means it does not contribute to congestion.
Can sodium PCA be used morning and evening?
Yes. It is non-photosensitising, gentle, and well tolerated twice daily at any standard formulation concentration. It is particularly valuable in the morning toner step to rehydrate the surface after the night’s natural moisture barrier activity.

Still exploring

Restore what cleansing takes away.

Browse OVESSI toners and serums featuring sodium PCA or use Skin AI to find the rehydration sequence that fits your skin type.