Polyglutamic Acid ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a water-binding humectant and light film-former, used to improve skin feel, reduce moisture loss, and give formulas a smooth, cushiony finish.
What does Polyglutamic Acid do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a water-binding humectant and light film-former, used to improve skin feel, reduce moisture loss, and give formulas a smooth, cushiony finish.
Is Polyglutamic Acid clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated and not a common restricted-list concern. Sensitivity is uncommon, with the main caveat being supplier quality and preservation of the finished formula.
Is Polyglutamic Acid sustainable?
This material is commonly made by microbial fermentation from renewable sugar or starch feedstocks. It is water soluble and expected to be biodegradable, with a stronger sustainability profile than persistent synthetic film-formers.
Is Polyglutamic Acid COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made by approved fermentation and compliant downstream processing. It fits Green Chemistry principles well through renewable feedstocks, aqueous processing, and biodegradability, though supplier documentation is still needed.
How does Polyglutamic Acid work chemically?
The molecule is a carboxylate-rich, water-soluble anionic biopolymer made of repeating amino-acid units connected through side-chain amide linkages. It is typically used around 0.05% to 1%, performs best in water-based systems near skin-friendly pH, and can show compatibility issues with strongly cationic ingredients or high electrolyte loads.
Last updated 2026-05-13