Cosmetics · Other
Polyglutamic Acid
ポリグルタミン酸 (Poriguru tamin-san)
Also known as: γ-PGA, Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Polyglutamate
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Polyglutamic Acid / Sodium Polyglutamate |
| Japanese labeling name | ポリグルタミン酸 |
| Common Japanese notations | ポリグルタミン酸, γ-PGA |
| CAS number | 25513-46-6↗ |
| Origin | Fermented (typically produced by Bacillus subtilis var. natto fermentation) |
| Typical functions | Moisturizing, Film-forming, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Food-grade polyglutamic acid is separately recognized as a food additive / functional food ingredient. |
Polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer of glutamic acid produced during natto fermentation. As a cosmetic ingredient it is positioned for high water-binding capacity — some supplier claims place its water retention well above hyaluronic acid on a weight-for-weight basis — and has become one of the more widely-used natto-derived cosmetic ingredients.
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Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Moisturizing essences and serums
- Sheet masks
- Hydrating body products
- Scalp care
Ingredient profile
Polyglutamic acid is a biopolymer of D- and L-glutamic acid units linked by gamma-linkages (γ-PGA). It is produced commercially by fermentation of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on a suitable substrate, followed by recovery and purification of the polymer.
Molecular weight varies by supplier and by intended use — high-molecular-weight grades are used for film-forming and moisture retention; lower-molecular-weight hydrolysates are used when skin penetration is a design goal. Sodium polyglutamate is the corresponding salt form.
OEM applications
In Japanese cosmetics, polyglutamic acid appears in moisturizing essences, sheet masks, serums, scalp lotions, and body products. It is often paired with hyaluronic acid in multi-humectant formulations.
Natto-derived positioning is a common narrative element for Japanese brands using this ingredient — connecting the finished product to the traditional fermentation heritage.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under ポリグルタミン酸 and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Polyglutamic acid is also recognized in food applications as a food additive or functional ingredient.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Polyglutamic Acid and Sodium Polyglutamate are listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. Widely used in finished cosmetic products. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Widely used in Korean cosmetics. Permitted under the KFDA / MFDS system. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Polyglutamic Acid?
- Polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer of glutamic acid produced during natto fermentation. As a cosmetic ingredient it is positioned for high water-binding capacity — some supplier claims place its water retention well above hyaluronic acid on a weight-for-weight basis — and has become one of the more widely-used natto-derived cosmetic ingredients.
- What is the regulatory status of Polyglutamic Acid in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Food-grade polyglutamic acid is separately recognized as a food additive / functional food ingredient.
- What products typically use Polyglutamic Acid?
- Moisturizing essences and serums / Sheet masks / Hydrating body products / Scalp care
- Where does Polyglutamic Acid come from?
- Fermented (typically produced by Bacillus subtilis var. natto fermentation)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Polyglutamic Acid?
- INCI: Polyglutamic Acid / Sodium Polyglutamate / JSCI: ポリグルタミン酸
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Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What INCI names cover natto-derived polyglutamic acid for cosmetic labeling?
CosIng accepts 'Polyglutamic Acid' and 'Sodium Polyglutamate' as INCI names; the salt form is more common in finished cosmetics due to better water solubility. Suppliers should confirm which form their COA reflects to ensure accurate label declaration.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — INCI: Polyglutamic Acid
- CosIng database — INCI: Sodium Polyglutamate
Q. What CAS number applies to polyglutamic acid for safety documentation?
CAS 25513-46-6 covers gamma-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA). Buyers should confirm the molecular weight range on the supplier COA, since PGA is sold across a wide MW spectrum that affects film-forming and humectancy behavior.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- PubChem — Polyglutamic acid (CAS 25513-46-6)
Q. How does polyglutamic acid compare to hyaluronic acid in moisturization claims?
Both are humectant biopolymers, with PGA often described in supplier literature as having higher per-molecule water-binding than HA, but cosmetic claims should reference recognized cosmetic claim ranges (e.g., 'moisturizing'), not unsupported comparative-efficacy statements. Many Japanese formulations co-use both as complementary humectants.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetic formulation
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is fermentation-derived PGA available with non-GMO documentation?
Yes, most Japanese suppliers source PGA from natto-style Bacillus subtilis fermentation and can provide non-GMO declarations on request. EU-export buyers should specifically request supplier declarations covering Bacillus strain documentation.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese fermentation ingredient suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What is the typical use level in finished cosmetics?
Polyglutamic acid is commonly used at 0.05–1% for humectant function and film-forming effect, with serums and ampoules often using the upper range. Higher levels can affect viscosity and require formulation testing.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetic formulation
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Moisturizing essence / ampoule
- Positioning
- High-performance moisture serum, often co-formulated with HA
- Typical usage level
- 0.1–1%
- Formulation notes
- Water-soluble; affects viscosity at higher doses
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese essence/ampoule market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Sheet mask essence
- Positioning
- Premium moisturizing mask with fermentation/heritage natto storytelling
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese sheet-mask market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Scalp lotion
- Positioning
- Hydrating scalp-care tonic for dry-scalp segment
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese scalp-care market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Body cream / lotion
- Positioning
- Long-lasting moisture body line with film-forming feel
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese body-care market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Search the academic literature
Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.
Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — ポリグルタミン酸
- EU CosIng entries: Polyglutamic Acid / Sodium Polyglutamate
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.