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Sodium Polyglutamate

Humectant and Fermentation-Derived Polymer

Sodium Polyglutamate

Moisture-retaining, skin-smoothing, plumping

Key Benefits

  • Binds water at the skin surface
  • Forms a lightweight conditioning film
  • Improves temporary smoothness and plumpness
  • Complements other humectants

How It Works

Its polymer chains contain numerous water-attracting groups that associate with moisture and create a film over the stratum corneum. Molecular weight and concentration influence viscosity, film character, and sensory finish.

Laboratory research on poly-gamma-glutamic acid has also observed changes in hydration- and barrier-related markers in keratinocytes and reconstructed skin. Human outcomes still need to be confirmed for each finished formula.

Ingredient Details

INCI Name: Sodium Polyglutamate

Ingredient Type: Fermentation-derived polymer humectant

Best For

All skin types · Dehydrated skin · Dry skin · Oily skin seeking non-greasy hydration · Layered humectant routines

Research

View Ingredient Research →

What It Is

Polyglutamic acid consists of repeating glutamic-acid units linked into a polymer; Sodium Polyglutamate is its neutralized sodium form. Cosmetic grades can vary in molecular weight, source, purity, and solution properties.

Despite the shared word acid, it is not an exfoliating acid like glycolic or salicylic acid. Its principal role is moisture management and skin feel, and it can be used alongside hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and barrier lipids.

What It Does

Sodium Polyglutamate forms a flexible, water-binding film at the skin surface. This can reduce the tight feel of dehydration, improve temporary smoothness and plumpness, and enhance the slip of a serum or cream.

Its effect is strongest as part of a balanced moisturizer. Humectants help bind water, while emollients and occlusives smooth the surface and reduce evaporation—especially important in dry climates or for a stressed barrier.

Sodium Polyglutamate FAQs

Common questions about this ingredient in skincare.

Is Sodium Polyglutamate an exfoliating acid?
No. It is a moisture-binding polymer and film former, not an alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. It does not exfoliate by loosening dead surface cells.
How is it different from hyaluronic acid?
Both are polymeric humectants, but they have different chemical structures, molecular-weight ranges, film properties, and sensory profiles. They are often combined rather than treated as direct substitutes.
Can Sodium Polyglutamate be used every day?
Yes, it is generally suitable for daily use in a properly formulated product. Follow the directions for the complete formula and pair it with a moisturizer if skin remains dry.
Does it hold more water than hyaluronic acid?
Marketing comparisons often depend on a particular test method, molecular weight, and laboratory condition. It is more accurate to say that both bind water effectively and their real-world performance depends on the finished formula.
Is Sodium Polyglutamate suitable for oily skin?
Its lightweight water-binding character can work well for oily or combination skin that is also dehydrated. Whether a product feels heavy or clogs pores depends on the entire formula.
Is the research clinical?
The linked study used keratinocytes and a reconstructed-skin model rather than a large human clinical trial. It supports a plausible hydration and barrier mechanism but does not establish every claimed consumer outcome.
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Products Featuring Sodium Polyglutamate

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