Differentiating Polyglutamic Acid vs. Hyaluronic Acid

It’s no secret that there are countless beauty products on the market. Naturally, it can be daunting to navigate the ingredients and trends while also figuring out which ones are worth their salt. Here, we’ll shed light on two ingredients that must form part of your skincare routine – hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid.

Of the two, hyaluronic acid is one of the most talked about in the industry. As a result, its benefits have been popularised the world over. Equally impressive is polyglutamic acid, and despite being relatively new, it’s already gaining traction on social media.

You might be wondering which of the two is better, what is hyaluronic acid good for, what benefits they have to offer, and how they differ in caring for your skin. If that’s the case, keep reading to get the answers to these and more.

Defining polyglutamic acid

Classified as a humectant, polyglutamic acid (PGA) has the ability to attract moisture from the atmosphere to the skin and then lock it in. PGA is produced by a gram-positive bacteria called Bacillus. It’s a peptide that occurs naturally and can also be found in fermented foods such as Japanese natto, which is fermented soybeans. It’s made up of a group of glutamic acid molecules, which is a type of amino acid.

In addition to its ability to lock in moisture, polyglutamic acid for the skin is essential for stimulating the production of moisture in its cells.

Defining hyaluronic acid

No stranger to the lips of skincare enthusiasts, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a long train of sugars that bind to water molecules. It occurs naturally in our bodies, skin, joints, and eyes. Similar to polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that actively works to attract and retain moisture, however, hyaluronic acid for the skin has a more plumping effect.

Skincare benefits of polyglutamic acid

Moisturises

As a powerful humectant, PGA can absorb water up to 5,000 times its weight and lock it in the skin thanks to its relatively larger molecule size compared to other humectants. This allows it to be absorbed deep into the skin, ultimately making it more effective. It also goes the extra mile to help the skin retain moisture from products with hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids.

Fights signs of ageing

Fine lines and wrinkles are more visible on dehydrated skin. By drawing moisture to the skin and locking it in, the appearance of these signs of ageing can be reduced.

Encourages production of natural hydrating substances

In addition to moisturising, it promotes the skin’s production of natural moisturising substances such as carboxylic acid, lactic acid, pyrrolidone, and urocanic acid. PGA can limit the enzyme that decreases production and increases the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, ultimately boosting the performance of hyaluronic acid.

Suitable for all skin types

All skin types will see an improvement when using polyglutamic acid products, however, those with particularly dry skin will find it most beneficial.

Aids in healing wounds

According to research and studies, polyglutamic acid may have vital wound-healing capabilities. When applied to wounds, PGA helped increase collagen pigmentation and played a role in the greater regeneration of blood vessels.

Skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid

Hydrates the skin

The leading benefit of hyaluronic acid is its ability to hydrate the skin. It can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water. Although produced naturally by the body, the production of hyaluronic acid starts to slow down and stores start to decrease after age 25. Hyaluronic acid aids in replenishing these levels to keep the skin's surface soft, radiant, and hydrated.

Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid has smaller molecules than polyglutamic acid. It also works best just below the skin’s surface. Its ability to retain moisture is what helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while having a plumping effect on the skin.

Soothing from discomfort

The likes of salicylic acid are effective but are known to sometimes irritate the skin. But hyaluronic acid produces significantly less irritation. While attracting water to the skin, it also has a soothing effect from the impact of harsh products. Its soothing properties can be found in other products too, such as eye drops.

The role of antioxidants

Antioxidants are vital for the skin’s youth-supporting matrix and hyaluronic acid has great antioxidant properties. These are important for maintaining healthy skin as the years go by and ageing becomes prevalent.

Can PGA and hyaluronic acids be used together?

You definitely can include both of these ingredients in your skincare routine. And considering that polyglutamic acid protects the properties of hyaluronic acid, it’s advised to use them together for best results.

Fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum is highly recommended as a polyglutamic acid serum that moisturises. It can be used in combination with several of our hyaluronic acid products, such as Rose Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion, Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum, Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, and Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence.

Choose products for your changing skin needs

fresh has more than three decades of experience in producing innovative beauty and skincare products. With a variety of effective, safe, and sensorial products, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they’re inspired by nature and accommodate the changing needs of all skin types throughout the year.

Explore our diverse range of products to find just the right solution to your skin needs and concerns.