Polyglutamic Acid and Its Benefits on Skin
Have you heard of Polyglutamic acid (PGA), one of the cutting-edge technologies in skincare?!? PGA has stirred up an internet frenzy because of its ability to absorb up to 5,000 times its own weight in water! That means it is an EXTREMELY powerful humectant which can deliver keep the skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This breakout natural ingredient in skincare is non-toxic, biodegradable, water-soluble, even edible! Here is everything you need to know about this Hero ingredient!
And don't forget to check out our two products which have harnessed the unique power of PGA! Our Multi-vitamin Eye Cream , Complete Dermal Repair, and 10% PHA Toner!!
The science of polyglutamic acid
So what is polyglutamic acid? Polyglutamic Acid is a protein comprised of the amino acid Glutamic Acid. The prefix “poly-” in its name means that this molecule contains several groups of the same type. “Glutamic acid” is a particular type of amino acid, which are the natural building blocks of the proteins in our bodies.
PGA is found naturally via fermentation of soybeans. Polyglutamic acid exists in two forms – alpha polyglutamic acid (synthesized chemically) or gamma polyglutamic acid (synthesized by the fermentation process). More skin research has been done on the natural gamma polyglutamic acid, which is what we will discuss. Due to the way it is synthesized, gamma polyglutamic acid is at least ten times larger in size than alpha polyglutamic acid. In our skincare products, our PGA formulations form a microscopic mesh-like structure that gives PGA its astounding ability to retain moisture up to 5,000 times its own weight!!
The benefits of Polyglutamic acid
Research has shown that the benefits of polyglutamic acid are numerous (Ben-Zur & Goldman, 2014).
1. It hydrates the skin
Polyglutamic acid is a powerful humectant. It works by stimulating our skin to produce “moisture magnets”, otherwise known as natural moisturizing factors. Natural moisturizing factors such as free amino acids produced by our skin are important for skin hydration as they attract and bind water molecules in our skin.
2. It protects the skin
In addition, research shows that polyglutamic acid can protect our skin by preventing it from losing moisture to the environment. Polyglutamic acid protects our skin from losing moisture by strengthening the skin's barrier function, thereby increasing the ability of our skin to retain moisture. The PGA itself also forms a protective layer over the skin itself, to further protect the natural skin barrier.
3. It reduces signs of aging
Skin hydration is the key to preventing skin aging as skin that is well-hydrated is healthier, smoother and firmer than when dry. Keeping your skin hydrated also slows down the formation of wrinkles and even softens those pesky fine lines you have been trying to get rid of. This is corroborated by research findings that show that Polyglutamic acid (PGA) increases skin elasticity as early as 2 weeks after usage (Ben-Zur & Goldman, 2014).
4. It makes the skin feel smooth and soft
Applying skincare products with polyglutamic acid onto our skin also provides a desirable sensory feel as it forms a smooth and soft film on our skin. Using skincare products with polyglutamic acid therefore nourishes our skin by replenishing the moisture in our skin while leaving our skin smooth and firm.
Incorporating polyglutamic acid into your skincare routine will help tremendously replenish the moisture in our skin, leaving our skin smooth, firm, and with reduced appearance of wrinkles. Polyglutamic Acid is known to be effective at concentrations as low as 0.1%!
Polyglutamic acid and Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid and Polyglutamic acid should be new best friends! Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies, but its concentration in our skin decreases over time, leading to sagging and wrinkled skin. Polyglutamic acid inhibits the hyaluronidase enzyme which normally breaks down HA. In it's hydrogel form, the larger polyglutamic acid molecules form a soft and smooth film outside of your skin, whereas the smaller hyaluronic acid molecules penetrate and hydrate your skin. This means that when combined, PGA and HA can prevent your skin from losing its natural moisture (PGA) and also restore any moisture already lost (HA)! The synergistic effects of these two powerhouse humectants is a great way to refresh and energize your skin.
Hale Cosmeceuticals Inc- Your Skin Health Company
At Hale Cosmeceuticals all of our products are based on SCIENCE and aimed to deliver RESULTS!! We have been used and recommended by Skincare professionals like Estheticians and Dermatologists for over 30 years! Our NEW Multi-vitamin Eye cream with Polyglutamic Acid and 10% PHA Toner both take advantage of this amazing PGA technology!
We have products which can be used by persons of ALL ages and ALL skin types!! Check out our website for information about Vitamin C, Peptides, Retinol, and more!!!
References
1. Ben-Zur, N., & Goldman, D. M. (2014). Polyglutamic Acid: A Novel Peptide for Skin Care. Cosmetics Toiletries, 122, 65–74.
2. Choi, H. J., & Kunioka, M. (1995). Preparation conditions and swelling equilibria of hydrogel prepared by γ-irradiation from microbial poly(γ-glutamic acid). Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 46(2), 175–179.
3. Choi, H. J., Yang, R., & Kunioka, M. (1995). Synthesis and characterization of pH-sensitive and biodegradable hydrogels prepared by γ irradiation using microbial poly(γ-glutamic acid) and poly(ε-lysine). Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 58(4), 807–814.
4. Hasabe, K., & Inagaki, M. (1998). Preparation composition for external use containing gamma-polyglutamic acid and vegetable extract in combination (Patent No. JPH11240827A).
5. Ho, G.H., Yang, J., & Yang, T.H. (2005). Gamma polyglutamic acid (gamma-pga, h form), gamma-polyglutamate hydrogels for use as super moisturizers in cosmetic and personal care products (Patent No. EP1690525A1).
6. Kunioka M. (1993). Polymers and Environment I. Properties of Hydrogels Prepared by Gamma-Irradiation in Microbial Poly(gamma-glutamic acid) Aqueous Solutions. KOBUNSHI RONBUNSHU, 50(10), 755–760.
7. Ogunleye, A., Bhat, A., Irorere, V. U., Hill, D., Williams, C., & Radecka, I. (2015). Poly-γ-glutamic acid: Production, properties and applications. Microbiology (Reading, England), 161(Pt 1), 1–17.
8. Sung, M. H., Park, C., Choi, J. C., Uyama, H., & Park, S. L. (2005). Hyaluronidase Inhibitor Containing Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid as an Effective Component (Patent No. US20080247986A1).