Polyglutamic acid is a hydration powerhouse! Polyglutamic acid is an incredible humectant that holds four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid—your skin will drink it in!
So why is an ingredient supposedly more moisture-banding than the hydration hero that is hyaluronic acid so little known?
POLYGLUTAMIC ACID
TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Hydrator
MAIN BENEFITS: Moisturizes skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores, replenishes cell moisture.
WHO SHOULD USE IT: It is ideal for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin. Polyglutamic acid is safe for all skin types, however, if you have sensitive skin it is always best to patch test a new product.
WHEN YOU CAN USE IT: Polyglutamic acid can be morning and night.
WORKS WELL WITH: It plays nicely with other skincare ingredients, especially hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
DON’T USE WITH: There are no known negative reactions with polyglutamic acid.
What is Polyglutamic Acid?
Glutamic acid is an amino acid. Polyglutamic acid is created when lots of glutamic acid molecules are linked together. "t's produced by bacterial fermentation and is found in Nattō. Nattō is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybean.
What Are the Skin Benefits?
It's a very effective humectant that can grab onto water and keep skin hydrated.
Polyglutamic acid helps seal the moisture in your skin, and enhances the skin’s elasticity. Part of the aging process involves the loss of HA in the skin, which is broken down by an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Products that contain PGA help to inhibit the action of hyaluronidase, resulting in more HA in the skin, and giving an overall moisturized, rejuvenated, and hydrated appearance to the skin.
How Does It Compare to Hyaluronic Acid?
Unlike Hyaluronic Acid, polyglutamic acid doesn't occur naturally in our bodies. Ingredient suppliers claim it can hold 10 times more water than hyaluronic acid, which is very impressive. It holds four times as much moisture because of its larger molecular size and can actually help the skin produce more hyaluronic acid. Not only does it draw water into the cells, like Hyaluronic Acid, but it also forms a protective film on your skin that prevents water from evaporating.
Why Is It Under-the-Radar?
Polyglutamic acid is relatively new on the beauty market. It also costs more than Hyaluronic Acid, which affects profit margins and could be one of the reasons we haven't seen it in that many products to date.
Does Polyglutamic Acid Play Nice With All Skin Types and Ingredients?
Yes, it mixes well with other products, especially water-based ones.
