Hydration & barrier
Polyglutamic acid Products
2 products across our retailers, from $14.00, prices vary 30%
also known as PGA
A fermented humectant that holds many times more water than hyaluronic acid — and locks it in with a thin, breathable film.
What it is
A polymer of glutamic acid produced by fermentation (the same bacterium responsible for natto). Larger and more water-binding than hyaluronic acid.
What it actually does
Polyglutamic acid is a polymer of glutamic acid, typically produced by fermenting natto (the same bacterium behind Japanese fermented soybeans). It holds significantly more water than hyaluronic acid by weight and forms a thin film that slows transepidermal water loss — so it acts as both humectant and light occlusive in one ingredient. You'll see it stacked with hyaluronic acid in K-Beauty essences for a more layered hydration effect.
Best for
- Dehydration
- Dry climates
Pairs well with
Routine placement
- Where it lives
- Essence · Serum · Moisturizer
- AM/PM
- AM & PM
- Frequency
- Daily
How to use it
Apply to damp skin and seal with moisturizer, exactly like you would a hyaluronic acid. Stacks fine with niacinamide, centella, peptides, and retinoids.
The Plug verdict
The upgrade to hyaluronic acid nobody asked for but everyone benefits from once they try it.
Shop products with polyglutamic acid
2 products across our tracked retailers, from $14.00, prices vary 30%. Ranked cheapest first, comparisons on top — never pay-to-rank.
Anua
Peach 70 Niacinamide Serum
compare 3 retailers · prices vary 48%
from $14.00
at stylekorean
Anua
Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
compare 5 retailers · prices vary 11%
from $15.40
at amazon
Prices are the cheapest we last verified at an authentic retailer and can change.
Products featuring polyglutamic acid
2 productsEditorially picked products where polyglutamic acid is the hero — ranked by real value across authentic retailers.
Products with polyglutamic acid
2 productsWe match by ingredient mentions in product copy from our authentic retailers. If we missed a product you know contains polyglutamic acid, let us know.
Related ingredients
Hyaluronic acid
aka Sodium hyaluronate
The water magnet — pulls moisture into the upper skin layers for instant plump.
Beginner-safe
Beta-glucan
An oat-derived humectant that hydrates deeper than hyaluronic acid and soothes at the same time.
Beginner-safe
Snail mucin
aka Snail secretion filtrate
Korea's cult hydrator — a glycoprotein-rich filtrate that plumps, soothes, and helps skin recover.
Beginner-safe
Frequently asked
- What does Polyglutamic acid do?
- A fermented humectant that holds many times more water than hyaluronic acid — and locks it in with a thin, breathable film.
- Is Polyglutamic acid good for beginners?
- Yes — Polyglutamic acid is considered beginner-friendly in most K-beauty routines.
- Is Polyglutamic acid safe for sensitive skin?
- Polyglutamic acid is generally well-tolerated on sensitive skin.
- How do you use Polyglutamic acid?
- Apply to damp skin and seal with moisturizer, exactly like you would a hyaluronic acid. Stacks fine with niacinamide, centella, peptides, and retinoids.