Polyglutamic Acid vs. Hyaluronic Acid

The beauty industry can be a maze of products, ingredients, and trends, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what is actually worth your time and money. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on two ingredients that you simply must have in your skincare routine: Hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is certainly not a new name in the industry, and you’ve undoubtedly heard of its benefits. However, polyglutamic acid is a relatively new kid on the beauty industry block and is trending all over social media.

So, which ingredient is better? What are the benefits of polyglutamic acid for skin, and how are they different from the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

What is polyglutamic acid?

Polyglutamic acid (PGA), or sodium polyglutamate, is a humectant and powerful hydrator that can attract moisture and seal it in. It is made up of a group of glutamic acid molecules, which are a type of amino acid.

On top of its moisture retention property, it also increases the production of several moisturizing factors, giving skin a more youthful appearance.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a type of glycosaminoglycan, which is a long train of sugars that bind to water molecules. It’s found naturally in our bodies, in our skin, joints, and eyes. Like polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, but due to hyaluronic acid’s low molecular weight, it is known to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.

The benefits of polyglutamic acid for skin

It’s a moisturizing powerhouse

As mentioned, polyglutamic acid is a powerful humectant. It can hold up to 4000x its weight in water, attracting and maintaining moisture into the skin. It has a higher molecular weight (2,000kDa) compared to many other humectants, which means it’s hydrating the skin on the surface, making it appear plumper and smoother.

Reduces signs of aging

Fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced if the skin is dehydrated. By attracting high levels of moisture to the skin and sealing it in, it can visibly plump and therefore reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Promotes the production of natural hydrating factors

On top of its own moisturizing capabilities, it also increases the skin’s production of natural moisturizing factors. Polyglumatic can inhibit the enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. This protects the performance of skin’s own natural hyaluronic acid, as well as the hyaluronic acid that’s applied topically.

Can be used by all skin types

Dryer skin types will undoubtedly get the most benefit from polyglutamic acid products, but every skin type will improve with its use.

What is hyaluronic acid good for?

Skin hydration

The number one benefit of hyaluronic acid is skin hydration. This humectant can only hold up to 1,000x its weight in water, but it’s lower molecular weight means it can hydrate the deeper layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the body, but production slows and starts to break down after the age of 25. Using hyaluronic acid helps replenish these levels, keeping the skin soft, radiant, and hydrated.

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid is available in different molecular sizes, but always has a lower molecular weight than polyglutamic acid. This means it’s able to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.

Can you use polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid together?

You can definitely use both of these ingredients in your skincare routine. In fact, given that polyglutamic acid actually protects the properties of hyaluronic acid, it’s a great idea to use these two hydrating powerhouses together.

Fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum with its intensely moisturizing polyglutamic acid ingredient can be used alongside a number of our hyaluronic acid-infused products, such as Rose Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion, Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum, Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, and Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence.

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