Is Polyglutamic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Polyglutamic Acid has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Excellent
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
INCI: POLYGLUTAMIC ACID
Polyglutamic Acid (CAS 28829-38-1) is a cosmetic humectant functioning as Humectant, skin-conditioning agent. Polyglutamic acid derived from Bacillus. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 28829-38-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Humectant, skin-conditioning agent. Polyglutamic acid derived from Bacillus subtilis fermentation. Claims approximately 5× greater moisture retention than hyaluronic acid.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No FDA concentration limits. Permitted cosmetic humectant. Claims of approximately 5× greater moisture retention than HA present in ingredient marketing; clinical substantiation is emerging but less robust than HA evidence base as of 2026.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Polyglutamic Acid.
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…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Polyglutamic Acid.
Regulatory Flags
humectant
emerging-ingredient
fermentation-derived
hyaluronidase-inhibitor
menopausal-skin-target
moisture-retention
less-evidence-than-ha
Chemical Function
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory Lists
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyglutamic Acid allowed in the EU?
Polyglutamic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Polyglutamic Acid do in cosmetics?
Polyglutamic Acid functions as: Humectant, skin-conditioning agent. Polyglutamic acid derived from Bacillus subtilis fermentation. Claims approximately 5× greater moisture retention than hyaluronic acid.. It is classified as a Humectant in our database. CAS number: 28829-38-1.
Compliance Tools
Check Polyglutamic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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Chemical family
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Solvent
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Light Stabilizer
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