Menthyl PCA
Menthyl PCA is a gentle cooling ingredient derived from menthol and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. It provides a mild, refreshing sensation on the skin without the irritation often associated with pure menthol, making it popular in lightweight moisturisers, gels and after-sun products.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare Menthyl PCA functions as a humectant and sensory agent that delivers a subtle, long-lasting cooling effect while helping to bind moisture to the skin. It is frequently used in facial mists, body lotions and scalp-care formulas to give a pleasant fresh feel and to enhance product texture without overpowering the formulation.
Key benefits
- Delivers a gentle cooling sensation
- Helps attract and retain moisture in the skin
- Soothes and refreshes without irritation
- Improves the sensory feel of lightweight formulas
- Suitable for scalp and hair-care products
- Enhances after-sun and post-shave comfort
Best for
normal skin, combination skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, irritated skin
Where it comes from
Menthyl PCA is produced by combining L-menthol, which is naturally derived from peppermint oil (Mentha piperita), with PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) that occurs naturally in the skin as part of the natural moisturising factor.
Products with Menthyl PCA
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Menthyl PCA than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Stays All Day & Night Foundation 30ml - 5 Warm Charlotte Tilbury
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation 30ml - 9 Cool Charlotte Tilbury