What does polyglutamic acid do to the skin?
Polyglutamic acid is a macromolecular substance synthesized naturally by edible fungi. The natto we usually eat and the marine jellyfish are rich in polyglutamic acid. It is produced by microbial fermentation. It is a sticky substance that was first discovered in natto fermented beans. It is a water-soluble biopolymer polymerized by water-soluble polypeptides produced by microbial fermentation.
At present, microbial fermentation is the best γ-PGA preparation method commonly used in industrial production. γ-PGA with appropriate molecular weight is obtained by strain screening, bacterial culture and separation and purification. This method has mild conditions and simple process, and can be mass-produced.
0.5556mg/ml or lower concentrations of lγ-PGA and hγ-PGA can inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin production without causing cytotoxicity.
Is polyglutamic better than hyaluronic acid?
Polyglutamic acid (PGA)
Both polyglutamic acid (PGA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are well known for their hydrating effects in skincare.
PGA is a large molecule that can hold 5,000 times its weight in water, far more than HA. It forms a protective film on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.\
Polyglutamic acid with a higher molecular weight can form a film to protect the skin, increase the content of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, and enhance the skin's water-holding capacity. Polyglutamic acid with a lower molecular weight is easier to absorb, and in addition to increasing the content of the natural moisturizing factor, it also has the effect of repairing the barrier and inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase.
PGA gently exfoliates and promotes the shedding of dead skin cells.
PGA works well with other skincare ingredients and can enhance the effectiveness of other products.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid products contain different molecular weights, which allows it to penetrate different layers of the skin for both surface and deep hydration.
It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, providing excellent hydration.
Hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin hydrated and plump.
Wound healing: Hyaluronic acid plays a role in wound healing and skin repair, making it beneficial for irritated or damaged skin.
Compared to the two, PGA exhibits superior hydration. PGA forms a film on the surface of the skin, enhancing skin elasticity and hydration.
But low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can penetrate deep into the skin to provide multi-level hydration.
Whether as functional food ingredients or cosmetic ingredients, polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid have similar effects and similar markets.
Reference
[1].Increase of NMF in the stratum corneum by γ-PGA, HA and soluble collagen, data provided by Ichimaru, Japan (2002)
