The Benefits Of Polyglutamic Acid: What You Need To Know
Do you have dry, sensitive or thirsty skin? Well, polyglutamic acid could be the perfect ingredient for you. Cropping up in plenty of new skincare launches, polyglutamic acid is predicted to be the next buzzworthy skincare ingredient. But, what exactly is it and what does it do?
From minimising pigmentation to boosting skin elasticity and helping to reduce fine lines. Keep scrolling to discover the benefits of polyglutamic acid (also known as PGA), who its for, how to use it and our pick of the best polyglutamic acid skincare products for smooth, plump and radiant skin.
1. What is polyglutamic acid?
Polyglutamic acid is an incredibly powerful water-soluble peptide that is retrieved from fermented soybeans, however it also naturally occurs within our bodies. Polyglutamic acid is a humectant, meaning that it pulls water towards the skin. It also holds 5,000 times more moisture than its molecular weight, as opposed to hyaluronic acid which holds 1,000 times its own weight in water and has been praised as the holy grail of hydrating skincare ingredients.
There are many different formulations of polyglutamic acid, and you might find it listed as sodium polyglutamate, or simply polyglutamate. They're all the same ingredient, but they're just formulated in different variations.
2. What are the benefits of polyglutamic acid?
Often described as a 'super-hydrator,' polyglutamic acid is one of the most hydrating skincare ingredients available and can help treat many skin concerns. It has amazing water-retaining abilities (as explained above) and allows your skin to retain moisture for a long period of time.
External factors including pollution, central heating, weather changes and lifestyle habits can affect your skin, causing it to feel dry, dehydrated, sensitive and signs of ageing to appear more visible.
Benefits of polyglutamic acid may include:
- Enhances skin's elasticity, helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles
- Plumps the skin, smoothing existing fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful looking complexion
- Helps to slow down the ageing process by preventing the breakdown of natural hyaluronic acid within the skin
- Increases the production of natural moisturising acids, such as lactic acid
- Helps your skin to absorb further skincare products, 'sealing' them in.
3. Which skin types should use polyglutamic acid?
Dry and dehydrated skin types will reap the most rewards from polyglutamic acid, as it is the perfect ingredient for re-hydrating and restoring a radiant glow to the skin. Although it is safe to use for all skin types, it is recommended that sensitive skin types do a patch test beforehand.
4. What is the difference between polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid: Praised as a hydrating hero, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water and helps to boost the water content in skin cells, leaving the complexion looking and feeling more hydrated and plump. It occurs naturally within the skin, however it decreases as we age.
Polyglutamic acid: Surprisingly, PGA is up to 10 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. Much like HA, it also draws water into the cells. However, polyglutamic acid takes it up a notch and also seals in moisture by forming a film over the skin's surface, which prevents water and moisture from evaporating.
By using both ingredients in your skincare routine, you will be ensuring that you're not only hydrating the deeper levels of your skin, but also 'locking - in' moisture in the upper levels. This will result in optimum hydration, as is the perfect solution for skin that is feeling tight and dehydrated.
The best polyglutamic acid products
OSKIA Rest Day Comforting Cleansing Milk
This luxuriously comforting cleanser infused with polyglutamic acid gently removes makeup, dirt, impurities and oils from the skin, leaving it feeling and looking clean and refreshed. This 'non-active' cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin types, and doesn't overstimulate stressed skin. Helping the skin to recover, this nourishing cleanser supports the skin's micro-flora and pH balance, and is infused with oat ceramides and probiotics that leave the skin feeling calm, hydrated and rested.
OSKIA Isotonic Hydra-Serum
If your skin is feeling thirsty and lacking in moisture, look no further than this polyglutamic acid serum from OSKIA. Suitable for all skin types and ages, this hydrating serum is infused with amino acids, electrolytes, probiotics and ceramides which help to boost and support your skin's own hyaluronic acid production. This super hydrating serum helps to calm reactive skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles and leaves the skin feeling firm, protected and replenished with essential hydration.
Avant Skincare Satin-Soft Imperial Polyglutamic Acid Duo Moisturiser
Keep your skin nourished, protected and hydrated with Avant Skincare Satin-Soft Imperial Polyglutamic Acid Duo Moisturiser. Working to mattify and soften the skin, this polyglutamic acid moisturiser is also infused with Isododecane and Cetiol Sensoft to lock-in moisture while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an intensely hydrated, soft and smooth complexion.
DCL Hydrating Treatment Mask
Quench thirsty skin with this polyglutamic acid mask designed to nourish, soothe and hydrate dry and dehydrated skin. Infused with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid along with Shea Butter and Ceramides, this nourishing face mask boosts hydration and plumps the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening the natural lipid barrier. The addition of fruit acids provides gentle exfoliation, while a blend of antioxidants protects the skin against environmental stressors.
Read our exclusive interview with Dr Shaaira Nasir, Consultant Dermatologist to discover everything you need to know about the NEW SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment here.
