You know hyaluronic acid (HA) as a mainstay in your daily skincare routine, but it’s finally time for this hydrating substance to share the spotlight with another standout humectant, aka a substance that promotes and retains moisture. Enter: polyglutamic acid (PGA).
We spoke with NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King to get a deeper look at polyglutamic acid, a water-soluble peptide that’s quickly taking over the beauty game. Keep reading for a crash course on this powerhouse ingredient, and find out why you should add it to your routine.
What Does Polyglutamic Acid Do for the Skin?
In simple terms, polyglutamic acid, or PGA as it’s often referred to, acts as a film on the skin when applied topically during your skincare routine. This is key because it locks in moisture, which further promotes hydration. But that’s not all.
“Polyglutamic acid can also help boost skin elasticity,” adds Dr. King.
Hyaluronic Acid vs. Polyglutamic Acid: How Are They Different?
Despite hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid serving as humectants that help support hydrated skin, how they work together to keep the skin moisturized is different.
“Like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid is a humectant, meaning that it helps bind water into the skin,” says Dr. King, adding, “The difference is that the molecule size of polyglutamic acid is larger so this means that it cannot penetrate as deep into the skin.”
“When used together, they hydrate at different levels of the skin, giving a maximum hydrating and plumping effect,” says Dr. King.
Where Can I Find Polyglutamic Acid?
Luckily, YTTP has an all-in-one serum that combines both of the mentioned humectants, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, along with a bevy of other mega-hydrating ingredients (like cactus elixir—find out more about that here). PGA is found in the Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum , which targets dryness, fine lines, and accelerated signs of aging by hydrating, plumping, and firming the skin. Hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid come together to instantly plump and flood skin’s deep layers with potent, sustained hydration. Healthy, hydrated skin, here you come.
Written by Grace Gavilanes for Youth To The People. Grace is an NYC-based writer, editor, and content strategist. She’s also the founder of Viva La Mujer , a Latina empowerment blog.
