Appearing in a limited, but wide-ranging variety of topical products, glucose glutamate is a little-known chemical compound. It is a natural substance with proven chemical properties, but its use in cosmetics is only just beginning. Although some experts caution that further research is needed, national and international regulatory bodies allow the use of glucose glutamate at this time.
Identification
Glucose glutamate is a chemical compound of glucose and glutamic acid. The chemical's main use is in skin-care products, where it works as a skin conditioner and humectant. Although research is limited on the safety of the chemical, no bans on glucose glutamate exist. The chemical does not appear on lists of toxic chemicals, and no traces have been found in human urine or organs of those who use it.
Features
Glucose glutamate occurs naturally in human blood and in plant sources such as grapes and corn. The compound is extremely sweet to taste, more so than sucrose, and it provides a source of energy for both animals and plants.
Types
Glucose glutamate appears in topical skin-care and cosmetic products. One of the most common uses is in anti-aging creams such as Lavera's "Hydro" line. Other products containing glucose glutamate include foundation cosmetics, shampoos, eye creams, facial moisturizers, conditioners and body washes.
Warning
Although no regulatory commission bans the use of glucose glutamate, lack of study on its effects has elicited some concern. F. Alan Anderson reports in "Cosmetic Ingredient Review" that no available safety tests on glucose glutamate exist. He adds that a full understanding of potential threats is impossible before the completion of studies on acceptable usage concentrations, chemical impurities and manufacturing, ultraviolet absorption, photosensitivity, skin irritation possibilities, toxicity and skin absorption.
Potential
Glucose glutamate appears in only a small number of products, but it has the potential for wider use due to its ability to trap moisture in the skin. Because dry skin and moisture loss are major causes of the visible aging of skin, glucose glutamate can improve appearance and increase dermal elasticity.
