Is Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) safe in cosmetics?
Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Excellent
Cosmetic Ingredient
Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA)
INCI: POLYGLUTAMIC ACID
Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) (CAS 25513-46-6 (polyglutamic acid); 208106-41-6 (sodium salt)) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Skin Conditioning, Humectant/Moisturizing. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
CAS Number
25513-46-6 (polyglutamic acid); 208106-41-6 (sodium salt)
View industrial chemical safety profile →
Function
Skin Conditioning, Humectant/Moisturizing
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted; no FDA restriction; CIR has not published a standalone monograph
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA).
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
9 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "25513-46-6", "anti_acne_mechanism": "anti_inflammatory", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "0-10", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "No", "korea_functional_cosmetic_acne": "No", "eu_cosmetic_restrictio…
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "hydration-plumping, barrier-repair", "mechanism_of_action": "Humectant, water binding, barrier support", "target_skin_layer": "stratum corneum, epidermis", "collagen_stimulation": "No", "elastin_protection": "No", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "12-20", "clinical_study_duration_weeks": "8", "sample_size": "30", "double_blind": "Yes", "placebo_controlled": "Yes", "published_journal"…
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.5", "max_concentration_pct": "2.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "1.0", "product_type": "Moisturizer", "function_at_concentration": "Super hydrator", "source": "Supplier TDS"}
fermentation
{"cas_number": "varies", "ingredient_class": "biofermented_acid", "production_organism": "bacteria", "fermentation_type": "aerobic", "substrate_feedstock": "glucose, sucrose", "bioactive_compounds_produced": "polyglutamic", "mechanism_of_action_skin": "exfoliation, hydration, pH regulation", "skin_benefit_primary": "moisturizing", "skin_benefit_secondary": "brightening, anti_aging", "clinical_evid…
interactions
{"ingredient_2": "Hyaluronic Acid", "interaction_type": "synergistic", "severity": "beneficial", "effect": "Enhanced water-binding capacity, superior to HA alone", "recommendation": "Emerging combination for intense hydration", "data_source": "Formulation science literature, dermatological research, cosmetic chemistry best practices", "last_updated": "2026-03-05"}
pregnancy_detail
{"pregnancy_safe": "yes", "breastfeeding_safe": "yes", "risk_category": "not-rated", "reason": "Safe; holds more water than HA", "source": "dermatology literature"}
sensory
{"silky": "gel-like", "smooth, glides easily": "slippery, hydrating", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "hydrated, plump", "instant": "moderate", "low": "high", "w/o": "o/w", "very-high": "moderate", "no": "no", "yes": "no", "1.40": "1.50", "transparent": "transparent", "colorless": "colorless", "excellent": "fair", "light": "light", "synthetic": "biotechnology"}
skin_suitability
{"oily_skin": "acceptable", "dry_skin": "recommended", "sensitive_skin": "recommended", "combination_skin": "acceptable", "normal_skin": "recommended", "acne_prone": "acceptable", "rosacea": "acceptable", "eczema": "acceptable", "hyperpigmentation": "acceptable", "aging_mature": "recommended", "dehydrated": "recommended", "skin_benefit_primary": "hydrating", "skin_benefit_secondary": "film-forming…
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) allowed in the EU?
Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) do in cosmetics?
Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) functions as: Skin Conditioning, Humectant/Moisturizing. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 25513-46-6 (polyglutamic acid); 208106-41-6 (sodium salt).
Compliance Tools
Check Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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