Winter is one of the most difficult times for the skin. Cold, wind and heat cause the skin to dry out and crack. Until now, hyaluronic acid was the best option to deal with the effects of low temperatures, but what if I told you that there is an ingredient that retains up to 4 times more water?
This is the polyglutamic acidan active ingredient that we are talking about more and more in cosmetics and which is starting to appear in serums and creams formulated for fight against winter dehydration. To understand why it is gaining importance and what differentiates it from others, Paula Rodriguezbiochemist specializing in dermopharmacy and cosmetics, and spokesperson for Druni, explains how it works and why it can become a key ally when skin needs extra hydration.
What is polyglutamic acid
As biochemistry explains, “polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a natural biopolymer resulting from the fermentation of bacteria of the Bacillus subtilis genus. “It is composed of multiple glutamic acid molecules linked together, giving it an extraordinary ability to retain water on the surface of the skin.”
In addition to deeply hydrating, “polyglutamic acid has become popular in cosmetics. for its impressive moisturizing power (up to 4 times greater than that of hyaluronic acid) and its light textureideal even for oily or combination skin. In addition, it responds to the current search trend sustainable and highly effective biotechnological active ingredients“Rodríguez said.
The secret of its effectiveness lies in the invisible film it forms on the skin, which prevents water from evaporating. “It acts by forming an invisible film on the skin which prevents transepidermal water loss, maintain hydration for longer,” adds the biochemist.
These are the benefits that it brings
Polyglutamic acid doesn’t just hydrate. “Among its main benefits are increasing the elasticity and softness of the skin. improves the luminosity and texture of the skin and reinforces the effect of other moisturizing active ingredients. Finally, it strengthens the barrier function and contributes to healthier and more resilient skin,” explains the biochemist.
And now comes the big question: Is it better or worse than hyaluronic acid? Paula Rodríguez is clear on this subject. “Hyaluronic acid has variable molecular weight and can penetrate deeper layers to capture water from the inside. Polyglutamic acid, for its part, stays on the surfaceforming a protective mesh that prevents hydration from evaporating,” he emphasizes.
While hyaluronic acid hydrates from the inside, polyglutamic acid seals it in from the outside. Together they achieve complete and longer-lasting hydration. “More than competition, These are complementary assets. In fact, the combination of the two offers a “multi-layer” hydration from the surface to the innermost layers of the epidermis,” explains the Druni spokesperson.
How to introduce polyglutamic acid into your health routine skin care
This asset combines very well with almost everything. In addition, increases the effectiveness of other ingredients. “It works particularly well with hyaluronic acid, for more complete hydration; niacinamideto improve the barrier function and provide brightness; ceramideswhich help to strengthen the lipid layer; and peptides or antioxidantsto reinforce firmness and protection against oxidative stress.”
Biochemistry indicates that “in general, polyglutamic acid is an active ingredient very well tolerated, even by sensitive skin. “It poses no known risk of irritation or photosensitivity and has no significant contraindications or incompatibility with other cosmetic ingredients.”
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