If you read beauty or skincare blogs often, you’ve probably heard of this new “superhero” ingredient recently. It’s called polyglutamic acid, or PGA. It is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients that is also affordable and accessible for consumers. Because of its benefits to our skin, more and more brands are now incorporating this into their skincare products. This article will discuss what Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) is, does it break out or not? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Polyglutamic Acid?
Polyglutamic acid is made of strands of the amino acid glutamic acid and is not produced by the body but by a number of species of Bacillus. PGA is a water-soluble polypeptide that is a potent humectant, meaning it can hold moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and youthful. It's what gives your skin its plump, youthful-looking glow. PGA can also regenerate the skin and stimulate collagen production, making it an excellent anti-aging ingredient. PGA can also be used to treat acne, scaring, redness, and even hyperpigmentation. It's also been proven to be effective for treating rosacea and eczema. PGA is basically a one-stop skincare solution.
Benefits of Polyglutamic Acid
- Anti-aging: PGA can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production.
- Acne Scars & Hyperpigmentation: PGA can be used to treat acne scars and hyperpigmentation by regulating sebum production, healing acne blemishes, and regulating the production of melanin.
- Skin Glowing: PGA can lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Skin Repair & Regeneration: PGA has been proven to be effective against atopic dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Skin Barrier Repair: PGA has been also shown to be effective against sensitive skin and can help repair the skin barrier.
Does Polyglutamic Acid Cause Acne?
According to studies, acne is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, bacteria on the skin, inflammation, and oil production. While acne is believed to be a result of genetics, stress, diet, and environment can also trigger acne. In this case, you don’t need to worry about PGA causing acne. PGA is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog or block pores in skin. PGA have incredibly nourishing, skin-softening property and effectively seal in moisture. As humectant, it first break down the dead skin cells clogging up the skin’s surface then they draw moisture from deeper layers of skin and helps lock in essential nutrients that plump skin.
How to Find the Right PGA Product for Your Skin Type
When selecting a PGA product, you should always try to find out what your skin type is. This will help you find a product that will suit your skin and deliver the best results. If you have dry skin, you should select a product with a high concentration of PGA and other hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. This will help you boost collagen production and lock in moisture to the skin. If you have oily skin, you should look for a PGA product that includes skin-calming ingredients to help regulate oil production. Ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and bisabolol can help regulate oily skin while still providing the benefits of PGA.
The Bottom Line
Polyglutamic acid is a water-soluble polypeptide that is a potent humectant and is proven to be effective for treating acne, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. It's also been shown to be effective for treating rosacea and eczema. PGA is basically a one-stop skincare solution.