PCA ethyl cocoyl arginate

Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)

PCA ethyl cocoyl arginate, also known as Liquid Paraffin, White Petrolatum, Liquid Petrolatum, Huile Minerale, Paraffine, Mineral Oil, Nujol, Adepsine Oil, Mineral Oil, Petroleum or White mineral oil, is a chemical compound considered relatively safe and widely used in many products. It is an ester of arginic acid and coconut acid, which is a mixture of fatty acids derived from coconut oil. PCA ethyl cocoyl arginate has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is able to act as a preservative that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that could damage the product and cause it to decompose.

PCA ethyl cocoyl arginate is commonly used in a wide range of cosmetic and care products. It can be found in shampoo, conditioner, bath foam, body and facial cleansing products, oral care products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, makeup, creams, lotions and many others. Unfortunately, it can cause skin irritation in more sensitive individuals due to its action. The steaming part of mineral oil is also its widespread use in industry where it is used as a lubricant, for example in textile manufacturing or in the automotive industry. Mineral oil is also an ingredient in many pharmaceutical preparations, such as ointments and skin creams or as a laxative.