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
At a glance
| 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 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.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Moisturizing essences and serums
- Sheet masks
- Hydrating body products
- Scalp care
What it is
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.
Typical uses in Japanese products
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. |
Example products
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.
Related ingredients
References
- JSCI 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.