Polyglutamic acid, also known as PGA, is an insanely powerful hydrating ingredient that helps your skin stay soft and glowing. It is made with fermentation of a bacteria called Bacillus subtilis or hay bacillus, just like how yogurt, kimchi or pickles are made. This humectant has the ability to hold a lot of water, almost 4x of water retention power of the celebrated hyaluronic acid. This ensures that your skin feels plump, smooth and fresh.

Polyglutamic acid is an ingredient that acts like a barrier on the surface of the skin to protect against environmental stressors. It is gentle in nature which makes it an ideal ingredient for sensitive skin.

Scientific Properties of Polyglutamic Acid

Category

Details

Name

Polyglutamic Acid (PGA)

Solubility

Water-soluble

pH Stability

Stable in the range of pH 5 to pH 8

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Skincare Benefits of Polyglutamic Acid

Polyglutamic Acid is a treasured ingredient in the world of skin care offering an array of benefits. It works on boosting hydration levels in the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, strengthening skin’s natural barrier and a lot more. It has the capacity to take your skincare game to a whole new level. 

Boosts Skin Hydration

Polyglutamic Acid’s standout property is its amazing water retention capability. PGA’s large molecular structure helps to create a protective layer over the skin thereby trapping moisture beneath. This boosts the hydration levels drastically. The claim is backed by studies and research that shows that applying PGA based products enhances skin moisture content by up to 3 times within four weeks. So if you are someone struggling with dry, dehydrated or compromised skin, this could be your go-to solution.

Nourishing Skin’s Natural Barrier

Healthy skin needs to have a strong barrier. Polyglutamic Acid offers this. It helps nourish the epidermal barrier by holding moisture in the skin and prevents water loss. This makes skin resilient against environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollution and harsh climate. Studies prove that regular use of PGA has the ability to enhance the production of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) substances to maintain skin hydration.

Smoothes Fine Lines and Wrinkles

If your skin is dehydrated, it will lead to early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since Polyglutamic Acid has exceptional ability to hold moisture in the skin and boost skin hydration, it helps get visibly plumper and smoother skin. This results in minimized appearance and depth of fine lines and softens rough skin texture. There is clinical evidence suggesting application of  Polyglutamic Acid serums can reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and laugh lines within 6 to 8 weeks.

Skin Elasticity and Firmness

Again maintaining moisture levels in the skin is so important as it also helps support skin elasticity. Polyglutamic Acid is the master in this. Its hydrating properties keep the skin naturally appearing firmer and more elastic. PGA is known to prevent sagging and formation of wrinkles over time with regular use. 

Improved Skin Texture and Tone

A well-hydrated, moisturized and protected skin is bound to have better texture. Polyglutamic acid forms a protective, hydrating film over the skin to smoothen out rough patches and uneven skin texture. It helps get fresh and bright skin with consistent usage.

How Microplastics Can Interfere with Polyglutamic Acid’s Performance?

Many skincare formulations unfortunately still contain microplastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, or polymethyl methacrylate. These tiny plastic particles are often used as film-formers or stabilizers, but they can negatively impact the performance of active ingredients like Polyglutamic Acid by forming an artificial film over the skin. This will block PGA molecules from properly interacting with the skin’s surface, reducing its absorption and hydration benefits.
Microplastics often disrupt skin’s natural functions like breathability which leads to clogged pores, irritation and imbalance in skin microbiome. Not only this, it alters the pH levels of the skin which may cause irritation and sensitivity.

While you are picking the skincare products of your liking, don’t forget to check the presence of microplastics. La Pink is a rising choice among consumers who wish to extract maximum benefits out of the product. The 100% microplastic formulations allow the product to work its magic and deliver visibly transformative results.

How to Use Polyglutamic Acid in Your Skincare Routine?

Polyglutamic Acid can be used in your skincare regime in different formulations and product types. It is often present in serums, moisturizers, face masks, etc. the best way to know about its application and inclusion in your skincare would be recommended by a dermatologist. However, here are some tips to help you out.

• Cleanse your face with a good face wash and apply a toner.
• Now, apply Polyglutamic acid infused serum on your face to allow the moisture retention when you next apply moisturizer.
• Use it twice daily for effective results
• PGA works well with ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Retinol.

Ideally, PGA is used in 0.3% to 3% concentration in formulations. If you are a beginner, you should start with lower concentrations to check your skin tolerance.