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.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including chemical properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim, or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.