POLYGLUTAMIC ACID- ▸ Humectant: Water-binding agent in cosmetic formulations.
- ▸ Film former: Forms a flexible film in cosmetic formulations.
- ▸ Chelating agent: Sequesters metal ions.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Sodium polyglutamate (sodium PGA, the sodium salt of poly-gamma-glutamic acid; INCI Sodium Polyglutamate; CAS 25513-46-6) is a high-molecular-weight, fermentation-derived polymer of glutamic acid. It is an exceptionally strong water-binding humectant and a film former — it holds many times its weight in water and lays down a smooth, flexible film, which makes it a moisture-feel and texture agent in skin and hair care.
What is sodium polyglutamate?
It is the sodium salt of poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a natural biopolymer produced by fermentation. Its many carboxylate groups bind and hold water strongly, giving high humectancy with a smooth, non-tacky feel, and the polymer forms a light, flexible film on drying. It is water-soluble and anionic.
Applications by sector
Skin care. A strong water-binding humectant and film former that improves moisture feel, smoothness and a soft after-finish in serums, creams and masks. Hair care. A conditioning, film-forming and water-binding polymer that adds smoothness and manageability. Texture. A thickening and sensory modifier. These describe water-binding and formulation behavior, not skin-health or hydration claims about the user.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a powder or solution; confirm form, molecular-weight grade and active content on the RFQ. Related humectants: glycereth-26, glycerin.
Handling and documentation
Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA); request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling data.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies sodium polyglutamate in bulk to personal-care formulators, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your form, grade and target quantity.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Sodium Polyglutamate |
| CAS Number | 25513-46-6 |
| Chemical type | Fermentation-derived sodium salt of poly-gamma-glutamic acid (anionic biopolymer) |
| Appearance | White powder or aqueous solution |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Function | Humectant (strong water-binding); film former; texture/conditioning |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sodium polyglutamate used for?
Sodium polyglutamate (sodium PGA, CAS 25513-46-6) is a strong water-binding humectant and film former used in skin and hair care to improve moisture feel, smoothness and a soft finish.
How does sodium polyglutamate compare to hyaluronic acid or glycerin?
Like other polymeric humectants it binds and holds water strongly while forming a light film; it is chosen for high water-binding with a smooth, non-tacky feel. Choose by feel, film and cost; these are formulation properties, not health claims.
Is sodium polyglutamate natural-derived?
It is produced by fermentation (a bio-derived polymer). We describe its origin and formulation behavior rather than making an unqualified “natural” marketing claim.
What is the CAS of sodium polyglutamate?
It is CAS 25513-46-6. As a biopolymer it is supplied by molecular-weight grade; the CoA documents each lot.
How is bulk sodium polyglutamate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as a powder or solution in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.