When skincare enthusiasts look at the ingredients lists of various products, we see lots of long words that are difficult to pronounce. While some may feel intimidated by these terms and dread researching their meanings, each one is actually quite simple. Many of these words have roots in Latin or Greek, making them easy to understand once you know the roots. Whether you’re trying to find out how something works on your skin or just interested in what specific properties a certain ingredient has for your skin, knowing the meaning of these terms can be very helpful. So today we’ll be talking about two very similar sounding skincare active ingredients: polyglutamic acid and squalane. Both of these help improve dryness and hydration levels in skin, but they do so in very different ways. To learn more about these useful substances, keep reading!
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What is Polyglutamic Acid?
Polyglutamic acid is a naturally occurring polypeptide of amino acid glutamic acid found in many skin care products. It is added to skincare products to improve skin’s moisture levels, smoothness, and evenness of tone. It is a stable acid that is water soluble, meaning it can be mixed into water and applied topically. Many people use polyglutamic acid to treat dermatoses, such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. It can also help fade scars and reduce the look of wrinkles. Polyglutamic acid is also great for people with sensitive skin as it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is often found in products that are designed to be gentle and soothing.
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What is Squalane?
Squalane is a natural occurring organic compound. It is a hydrocarbon that can also be found in fish liver oils. Squalane is extracted from plants or seeds and is then refined, making it a very pure and potent skin care ingredient. Squalane is a great moisturizing agent, helping increase hydration levels in the skin. It is also anti-inflammatory and anti-aging, making it a wonderful ingredient for people of all ages. Squalane can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
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The Differences Between Polyglutamic Acid and Squalane
The biggest difference between these two ingredients is that polyglutamic acid is an acid and squalane is a hydrocarbon. But that’s not all. Even though polyglutamic acid is an acid, it does not have any exfoliating or peeling properties. It is actually used to treat dry skin and help improve hydration levels. While squalane is a hydrocarbon, it is an emollient that is hydrating and soothing. It penetrates deep into the skin and creates a barrier to help the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated. Squalane is not used to treat dry skin, but rather it is used to prevent dryness and further dehydration.
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Conclusion
All in all, both polyglutamic acid and squalane are wonderful skincare ingredients. Polyglutamic acid is used to treat dry skin and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Squalane helps prevent dryness and further dehydration, making it an excellent hydrator. Both ingredients are very beneficial for the skin. They can be found in many skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and oils. So if you are looking for a way to improve your skin’s hydration levels, adding either polyglutamic acid or squalane to your skincare routine may be just what your skin needs!