How polyglutamic acid is used in skin care?

The polyglutamic acid molecule has been known for more than 80 years. But researchers continue to explore its many potential benefits.

The study shows that polyglutamic acid is composed of chains of the amino acid glutamic acid and is produced by several Bacillus bacteria through fermentation. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.

When used in skin care, polyglutamic acid helps to draw moisture from the air into the skin. Its properties are similar to other commonly used moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

The effects of polyglutamic acid essence 

You can apply polyglutamic acid essence or other moisturizing essence on your face up to two times a day to help keep your face moisturized.

The effects of polyglutamic acid cream, gel or lotion

Many companies sell creams and other topical products that contain polyglutamic acid to target your face or the area around your eyes. Polyglutamic acid is usually used in combination with other ingredients that can reduce the effects of aging.

The effects of polyglutamic acid supplements

You may find polyglutamic acid in supplement form, but it is unlikely to improve your skin health. According to a review of a 2016 study, polyglutamic acid supplements may increase calcium bioavailability and help prevent osteoporosis.

Gamma polyglutamic acid benefits

Polyglutamic acid is a polypeptide with many properties that are of interest to researchers, such as:

Peptides are long chains of amino acids and are part of proteins. Polyglutamic acid is made from the amino acid glutamic acid chain. Research is continuing to study the potential uses of polyglutamic acid:

1) Water treatment

Polyglutamic acid is also found in traditional Japanese foods made from fermented soybeans and is called "natto."

In skin care, polyglutamic acid acts as a humectant. A humectant is a substance that can absorb moisture from the air into the skin.

Even if you are not familiar with the term "humectant", you may be familiar with some other common moisturizers used in skin care, such as:

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Salicylic acid, glycerin, Urea, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol

2) Moisturizes your skin

The main benefit of polyglutamic acid and other humectants is to keep the skin moisturized by drawing moisture from the air into the upper layers of the skin.

A 2015 research review found that polyglutamic acid can increase the body's production of the following natural moisturizing factors:

carboxylic acid, Lactic acid, Pyrrolidone, Urethane acid

The above substances are naturally produced by your skin. They help keep the skin hydrated by locking in moisture.

3) Reduces wrinkles

Polyglutamic acid can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated. Dry skin tends to shrink and make wrinkles and fine lines more visible.

4) Reduces the effects of aging

Polyglutamic acid can help reduce the effects of aging, such as dry or sagging skin, by keeping the skin hydrated.

5) Wound healing

An animal study in 2015 found that there is evidence that polyglutamic acid may have the potential to accelerate wound healing.

More human research is needed to understand how to best use it for humans. However, a 2016 study examined its potential role in wound dressings.

Polyglutamic acid serum vs. hyaluronic acid:

Both polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid are humectants with similar properties.

2014 study found that polyglutamic acid has a stronger moisturizing effect than collagen and hyaluronic acid.

However,you may not need to choose one of these substances over the other, as they may all benefit your skin in different ways.

Your skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid to maintain its own moisture. As you age, your body will produce fewer substances and your skin will become drier.

The potential benefits of polyglutamic acid come from inhibiting the decomposition of hyaluronic acid and stimulating the production of natural moisturizing factors on the skin's surface.

Polyglutamic acid acts as a moisturizer when applied to the skin. Humectants are substances that draw moisture from the air into the skin.

Polyglutamic acid has similar properties to other humectants (such as acid or glycerin) used in cosmetics.You can use polyglutamic acid alone or in combination with other substances that reduce the effects of aging (such as hyaluronic acid).