Hyaluronic Acid vs. Polyglutamic Acid: Which Hydration Booster is Best for Your OEM Product?

Hyaluronic Acid and Polyglutamic Acid are two powerful ingredients that boost skin hydration, but which one is right for your OEM product? I’ve worked with both in many formulas & each has its own unique benefits. If you’re building a skincare line, don’t worry - I’ll break it down simply.

Hyaluronic acid is the best hydration booster for most OEM skincare products due to its proven ability to deeply hydrate, improve skin texture, and work well with all skin types. It's lightweight, versatile, and widely trusted, making it ideal for both simple and advanced skincare formulas.

Want to know how hyaluronic acid compares to polyglutamic acid in texture, benefits, and use in OEM products? Keep reading to learn which one fits your brand best—and how to use them the right way.

Hydration Power: HA vs. PGA 

Both hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) are known for holding water and keeping skin moisturized. But they don’t work in the same way. If you’re an OEM brand looking to create high-performance skincare, it’s important to know how each one hydrates and which fits your formula better. Here’s a simple comparison:

While PGA holds more water than HA, it mainly works on the skin’s surface. HA, on the other hand, goes deeper into the skin to give long-lasting hydration from within. For OEM products targeting deep hydration, HA is often the go-to choice because it blends well with many skincare bases.

PGA works better when you want to boost surface moisture or add a silky finish. Some brands even combine both for a complete hydration effect. If your focus is deep moisture and daily comfort, HA may be the better base for your product line.

How HA and PGA Work Together

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) can work really well together in one formula. Learn the advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients here. They don’t compete—they support each other. HA goes deep into the skin to pull in moisture, while PGA stays on top to lock that moisture in and protect the skin’s surface.

When used together, they create a full hydration system. HA keeps the skin soft from the inside, and PGA adds a smooth, fresh finish on the outside. This makes the skin feel more plump, bouncy and well-protected.

For OEM products like serums, creams, or masks, this combo adds real value. It gives instant and lasting results that many users look for today. Together, they help brands offer smarter, high-performance skincare with real customer appeal.

Formulating for Texture and Feel

When creating OEM skincare products, how a formula feels on the skin matters just as much as how it works. Texture can shape first impressions. Both hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) affect the feel of a product—but in different ways.

HA usually gives a light, gel-like texture that sinks in quickly. It leaves skin feeling fresh, soft, and never greasy. This is perfect for lightweight serums, hydrating mists, and water-based creams.

PGA has a silkier, smoother texture. It adds a slightly thicker feel and creates a thin layer on the skin’s surface. This gives a soft, dewy finish and works well in richer creams or sleeping masks.

When combining both, you can create a layered texture—light yet long-lasting. For OEM brands, this mix helps match different customer needs, whether they want fast-absorbing hydration or a glowy finish that lasts.

Testing and Safety for OEM Development

When developing OEM skincare products, testing and safety must always come first. Even trusted ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) need to be tested in each new formula. Check the review of recent updates of hyaluronic acid and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects here. What works well alone may act differently when combined with other actives or base materials.

HA and PGA are both gentle and safe for most skin types, but it’s important to check for stability, skin reaction, and shelf life. Each batch should be tested for pH balance, texture, and performance over time. This ensures the final product stays effective and safe from start to finish.

Patch testing on different skin types helps avoid irritation or allergic reactions. This is key for products meant for sensitive or dry skin. Brands that skip these steps risk customer complaints, and product recalls.

At the OEM level, all safety testing should follow local and global skincare regulations. Proper documentation, safety reports, and test results build trust and keep your brand protected. Safe products lead to strong brand reputations and long-term success.

All Skin Types: Which One Suits Best?

When choosing between hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA), it’s important to think about your target customers' skin types. Both ingredients are known for being gentle, but they serve different needs depending on the skin’s condition and hydration level.

HA is a great all-rounder. It works well for dry, oily, combination, and even sensitive skin. Since it hydrates from deep within, it helps balance oil and dryness, making it ideal for everyday use in all types of products.

PGA is especially helpful for very dry or damaged skin. It stays on the surface and forms a barrier to stop moisture loss. This makes it a smart choice for people with a weak skin barrier or those living in dry, cold climates.

For OEM brands, HA is a safe and flexible base for any skin type, while PGA can be added to target surface-level dryness or barrier repair. Using both in one formula can give a full-circle solution—deep and surface hydration that suits nearly everyone.

Cost vs. Benefit: Ingredient Pricing

When planning an OEM skincare product, cost matters just as much as performance. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) differ in price, and that can affect your final product’s budget and retail value. Learn how polyglutamic acid can be used in skincare here.

HA is widely used and available in many forms, from low to high molecular weight. Because of its popularity, it’s cost-effective and gives great value for deep hydration. You can adjust the concentration based on your target price point.

PGA is newer and less common, so it usually costs more than HA. However, it offers unique surface-level moisture and a smooth finish that can help premium products stand out. It's often used in high-end or niche skincare lines.

For OEM brands, HA offers a good balance of cost and performance for large-scale production. PGA, while pricier, adds an edge if you want to position your product as luxurious or innovative. Choosing the right one—or combining both—depends on your budget, brand image, and customer needs.

Suitable Product Types: Serums, Creams, Masks

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) can be used in many types of skincare products, but some formats bring out their strengths better than others. Picking the right product type helps you get the most benefit from each ingredient.

HA works best in water-based serums and lightweight creams. These allow it to penetrate the skin and provide deep hydration. It’s also great in hydrating mists and gel moisturizers, where a fresh, fast-absorbing feel is important.

PGA, with its smooth and film-forming quality, shines in richer textures. It works well in sleeping masks, eye creams, and barrier-repair products. It helps seal moisture on the surface and leaves a soft, glowing finish.

For OEM product lines, serums with HA offer daily use and wide appeal, while creams and masks with PGA can target deep nourishment or nighttime care. You can also combine both in a single formula to create a layered hydration effect that suits all skin types.

Labeling: How to Position Each in Marketing

When it comes to marketing OEM skincare products, the way you label and position ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) matters a lot. Clear, benefit-focused labeling helps buyers quickly understand what the product offers—and builds trust.

HA is already well-known by most customers, so you can highlight claims like “deep hydration,” “plump skin,” or “locks in moisture.” Using phrases like “powered by hyaluronic acid” or “hydrates from within” helps position the product as reliable and effective. It also works well in both budget-friendly and premium lines.

PGA is newer to the market, so it’s helpful to explain its benefits directly. You can say things like “smooths skin surface,” “moisture barrier support,” or “5x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid.” Labeling it as a next-gen or advanced hydration ingredient can also help it stand out in high-end or science-forward product lines.  Find the top 10 skincare ingredients- what your brand needs for OEM success here. 

For OEM success, clear claims matched with real results help customers feel confident. Simple, honest messaging builds strong branding and keeps your product competitive in today’s busy skincare market.

Conclusion

Choosing between hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyglutamic acid (PGA) depends on what kind of skincare product you want to create. HA goes deep into the skin and works well in light formulas like serums and mists. PGA holds more water on the surface and gives a smooth, soft finish—great for creams and masks.

Both ingredients bring something valuable. HA offers deep hydration and works for most skin types. PGA helps lock in moisture and supports the skin barrier. When used together, they give full-layer hydration—from inside and out.

For OEM development, it’s important to test each formula, choose textures that feel good, and match the product with your target users. You can go for simple hydration or create something more advanced by combining both ingredients.

In the end, your choice should fit your brand goals, customer needs, and product type. Whether you choose HA, PGA, or both, you can create skincare that truly makes a difference when it’s well-formulated and clearly positioned.