PGA & HA: Synergistic Enhancement, Say Goodbye to Stickiness, Moisturizing and Antioxidant Duet

#Introduction

Sodium polyglutamate (PGA) is a water-soluble polymer produced by microbial fermentation. It is widely used in skin care products and cosmetics due to its excellent moisturizing properties and multifunctional properties. This article will introduce the source, chemical structure, characteristics and application of sodium polyglutamate in skin care products in detail.

#Source and Chemical Structure

Sodium polyglutamate was first discovered in natto, a traditional Japanese food. The extremely viscous silk in natto is PGA. This substance is polymerized from natural and degradable glutamic acid and produced by fermentation of Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is an internationally recognized safe microbial additive (GRAS) strain, naturally derived and safe for the human body.

The basic structure of PGA is composed of 5000-10000 glutamic acid molecules polymerized through γ-amide bonds. The molecule contains a large number of polar groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which can form hydrogen bonds within and between molecules, thereby binding a large amount of water and significantly improving its moisturizing effect.

#Features and Effect

1. **Excellent moisturizing performance**: PGA can absorb and lock a large amount of water, significantly improving the hydration of the skin. When used with sodium hyaluronate (HA), it can prolong the moisturizing time of HA, reduce its stickiness, and make the skin feel more natural and smooth.

2. **Antioxidant activity**: PGA has antioxidant activity, can scavenge free radicals, and protect the skin from oxidative damage. Studies have shown that PGA with a molecular weight of 1.4 million Da performs slightly better than PGA with a molecular weight of 1 million Da in scavenging DPPH free radicals.

3. **Increase the content of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the skin**: PGA can promote the generation of NMF in the skin, enhance the inherent moisturizing ability of the skin, and achieve the effect of deep nourishment.

4. **Whitening and anti-aging**: PGA can gently control the activity of tyrosinase, delay the formation of spots, and at the same time improve the stability of HA in the skin, increase the HA content, and achieve the effect of whitening and anti-aging.

#Molecular Weight and Application

According to the molecular weight, PGA can be divided into three types: high molecular weight, medium molecular weight and low molecular weight, each with different characteristics and applications:

- **PGA-HMW (high molecular weight, >700kDa)**: long-lasting moisturizing, forming a moisturizing film on the skin surface, significantly improving the moisturizing effect.

- **PGA-LMW (medium molecular weight, 70-150kDa)**: moisturizing and whitening, improving skin radiance and elasticity.

- **PGA-Oligo (low molecular weight, <10kDa)**: deep nourishment, directly reaching the basal layer, promoting NMF generation and absorption of nutrients.

#Application and Use Suggestions

PGA is suitable for moisturizing, anti-aging and whitening products, with a recommended concentration of 0.1% to 1%. Anti-ionic emulsifiers should be used as much as possible in the formula to optimize the effect of PGA.

#Conclusion

As a natural, safe and efficient biopolymer, sodium polyglutamate (PGA) shows great application potential in skin care products and cosmetics. Its excellent moisturizing properties, antioxidant activity and multiple benefits to skin health make it an important ingredient in modern skin care products. With the deepening of research and the advancement of application technology, PGA is expected to play an important role in more fields and bring more innovation and development to skin care technology.