
Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Face Wash and Cleanser with 2 key ingredients
FEATURES
Hydrates dull and dry skin, replenishes skin hydration levels, brightens skin, removes excess oil and dirt, protects delicate skin barrier, soothes inflammation
BEST FOR
dry
CHECKS
Does not contain harsh ingredients, fragrancing details not specified
Who Is It For?
No Specific Age Or Gender MentionedWhat Does It Help With?
Hydration Brightening Oil And Dirt Removal Soothing InflammationBudget
Affordable (under $30)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What Chemist at Play Says
Product Description:
Get ready for the ultimate hydration boost with Chemist at Plays Gentle & Hydrating Face Cleanser. It's like eight glasses of water for your skin, quenching your skin's thirst and leaving it plump, juicy, and oh-so-glowy. Packed with Polyglutamic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, it's a superhero cape for your skin, protecting its delicate barrier while moisturising and soothing inflammation. Say goodbye to excess oil and dirt as it washes them away, revealing fresh and revitalised skin. Get your hands on this thirst quencher. Hydration magic awaits
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
polyglutamic-acid,hyaluronic-acid
Key Ingredients
Polyglutamic Acid,Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredients Details
Hyaluronic Acid
Common Name(s): Ha,sodium hyaluronate (salt form),hyaluronan,d-glucuronic acid-n-acetyl-d-glucosamine polymer
CAS Number: 9004-61-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Hyaluronic acid draws and locks moisture into the skin at multiple depths (surface and deeper layers depending on molecular weight), creating a plumping, smoothing, and hydrating effect.
Why It's Used: It is used because it is endogenous to human skin, making it exceptionally biocompatible and non-irritating. its unparalleled moisture-binding capacity makes it the most effective hydrating ingredient available.
How It Works: Ha binds water molecules through its many hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, creating a gel-like matrix. high molecular weight ha (>500 kda) hydrates the skin surface; low molecular weight ha (<50 kda) penetrates deeper to provide interior hydration.
Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,sheet masks,toners,eye creams,lip treatments,dermal fillers (injectable)
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ humectant/hydrator
Secondary Functions: Barrier repair,plumping,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2% (effective at very low concentrations; multi-weight ha provides superior results)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ biotechnology-derived (microbial fermentation of streptococcus equi or b. subtilis); vegan-certified versions widely available
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Originally extracted from rooster combs; now predominantly produced via biotechnology (bacterial fermentation), which is vegan and more sustainable.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low; one of the gentlest skincare ingredients known
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: In very dry environments, high-molecular-weight ha on the surface can potentially draw moisture out of the skin if not sealed with an occlusive. apply to damp skin and seal with moisturizer.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes โ ideal for all skin types including rosacea, eczema, and post-procedure skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. endogenous molecule โ no toxicity concerns. ewg hazard score: 1. safe during pregnancy.
Works Well With: Virtually all ingredients; especially ceramides,glycerin,peptides,retinol (reduces irritation),niacinamide,vitamin c
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities; high concentrations of alcohol in a formula may reduce its efficacy
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Hyaluronic acid naturally degrades in skin (half-life ~1โ2 days). the skin produces it endogenously, but production decreases with age. multi-molecular-weight ha formulas provide hydration at both surface and deeper skin levels.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,papakonstantinou et al. (2012) dermato-endocrinology
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Polyglutamic Acid
Common Name(s): Pga,poly-l-glutamic acid,natto gum
CAS Number: 25513-46-6
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides 4-5ร greater water retention than hyaluronic acid for unmatched skin hydration.
Why It's Used: The most powerful humectant available โ 4-5ร the water-binding capacity of ha โ for formulations requiring maximum hydration intensity in a single ingredient.
How It Works: High density of free glutamic acid carboxylate groups provides exceptional water binding capacity (~5000ร its dry weight in water, vs ha's ~1000ร). forms thin hydrating film on skin surface. inhibits hyaluronidase, protecting endogenous ha from degradation. also promotes ha synthesis.
Typically Found In: Premium hydrating serums,ultra-hydration products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ microbial humectant
Secondary Functions: Maximum water retention,ha protection,film forming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ bacillus subtilis fermentation
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pga's water-holding capacity of ~5000g water/g pga (vs ha's ~1000g water/g) derives from its exceptionally dense carboxylate group array. the glutamic acid polymer backbone provides a carboxylate group every ~0.37nm along the chain โ the highest density of water-binding anionic groups achievable in a linear biopolymer structure.
Last Verified: Cosing database,shen et al. polyglutamic acid cosmetic review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12