What it is
Glutamic acid is one of the standard amino acids found in proteins and naturally present in skin as part of its moisturizing system. In formulations it is used to fine-tune pH and as a skin-conditioning and water-binding agent. It is a building block for several amino-acid-based surfactants and salts used in cosmetics.
Safety & warnings
Glutamic acid is a normal constituent of skin and the diet and is generally well tolerated in topical use. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Naturally occurring amino acid; cosmetic-grade material is typically produced by fermentation.
Questions everyone asks
Why is glutamic acid added to sunscreen?
It is mainly used to adjust and stabilize the product's pH and to condition the skin, and it can help bind water at the skin surface.
Is glutamic acid the same as the amino acid in food?
Yes, it is the same amino acid found in proteins and the diet; the cosmetic grade is simply purified for topical use.