What it is
Sodium polyglutamate is the sodium salt of poly-gamma-glutamic acid, a high-molecular-weight biopolymer built from many glutamic acid units. It is a strong humectant that binds water at the skin surface and can form a light, flexible film, supporting a hydrated, smooth feel. It is used in serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens for its water-binding and skin-conditioning properties.
Safety & warnings
Sodium polyglutamate is a large, water-soluble polymer used at low levels and is generally well tolerated, with a low expectation of irritation or sensitization. As a humectant polymer rather than an oil, it is not considered comedogenic, and it is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Poly-gamma-glutamic acid is commonly produced by fermentation using Bacillus bacteria; the cosmetic ingredient is its neutralized sodium salt.
Questions everyone asks
What is sodium polyglutamate used for?
It is a humectant and film-forming skin-conditioning agent that binds water at the skin surface for a hydrated, smooth feel.
How is it made?
It is the sodium salt of poly-gamma-glutamic acid, a biopolymer commonly produced by bacterial fermentation.