Is Nylon-12 safe in cosmetics?
Nylon-12 has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted.
Moderate
Cosmetic Ingredient
Nylon-12
Also known as: Nylon 12 pellets 5mm, POLY[IMINO(1-OXO-1,12-DODECANEDIYL)], (NYLON 12 CHIPS), 0estamid X 4887, POLYAMIDE12, Poli [imino (1-oxo-1 ,12-dodecanediil)] (+3 more)
INCI: NYLON-12
Nylon-12 (CAS 24937-16-4) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Bulking agent, mattifying powder, skin feel. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 0.01% w/w. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 24937-16-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Bulking agent, mattifying powder, skin feel
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
0.01% w/w
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Not covered by Microbead-Free Waters Act for leave-on use. California AB 2260 may extend scope.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Nylon-12.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
8 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "all,oily,combination,normal,acne-prone", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Soft focus powder"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "mid-range", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "25", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "45", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "0", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "0", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "Global", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "100", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "specialty", "substitute_ingredients": "Polymethyl Met…
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "3.0", "optimal_ph_max": "10.0", "stable_ph_min": "3.0", "stable_ph_max": "11.0", "ph_dependent_function": "Synthetic polymer powder", "formulation_note": "Very stable; soft focus", "source": "Formulation literature"}
polymer
{"cas_number": "25038-74-8", "ingredient_class": "texture_modifier/film_former", "polymer_type": "synthetic_homopolymer", "chemical_backbone": "amide", "molecular_weight_Da_range": "15000-100000", "glass_transition_temp_Tg_C": "40-50", "ionic_character": "nonionic", "pH_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "salt_tolerance": "moderate", "electrolyte_effect_on_viscosity": "moderate", "temperature_vis…
regulatory
{"eu_status": "allowed", "us_status": "allowed"}
sensory
{"silky": "powdery", "smooth, glides easily": "silky, soft", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "velvety, smooth", "instant": "instant", "low": "low", "w/o": "w/o", "very-high": "excellent", "no": "yes", "yes": "no", "light-diffusing": "blurring", "1.40": "1.02", "transparent": "opaque", "colorless": "white", "excellent": "excellent", "light": "light", "synthetic": "synthetic"}
skin_suitability
{"oily_skin": "acceptable", "dry_skin": "acceptable", "sensitive_skin": "acceptable", "combination_skin": "acceptable", "normal_skin": "acceptable", "acne_prone": "acceptable", "rosacea": "acceptable", "eczema": "acceptable", "hyperpigmentation": "acceptable", "aging_mature": "acceptable", "dehydrated": "acceptable", "skin_benefit_primary": "texture-enhancer", "skin_benefit_secondary": "oil-absorb…
solubility_hlb
{"water_soluble": "no", "oil_soluble": "yes", "soluble_in": "oils, silicones", "insoluble_in": "water, glycerin, ethanol, propylene glycol", "log_p": "5.8", "melting_point_c": "178", "appearance": "white powder", "source": "Arkema"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Conductive agent
Filler
Hardener
Opacifer
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory List Membership (1)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Nylon-12.
Regulatory Flags
microplastic
eu-restricted
reach-annex-xvii-entry-78
env-persistent
not-biodegradable
caution
Known Synonyms
Nylon 12 pellets 5mm
POLY[IMINO(1-OXO-1,12-DODECANEDIYL)], (NYLON 12 CHIPS)
0estamid X 4887
POLYAMIDE12
Poli [imino (1-oxo-1 ,12-dodecanediil)]
ω-Laurolactam polymer, SRU
Polyamide P-12
UNII-446U8J075B
Chemical Function
Filler
Opacifer
Viscosity modifier
Conductive agent
Hardener
Regulatory Lists
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon-12 allowed in the EU?
Nylon-12 EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.01% w/w. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Nylon-12 do in cosmetics?
Nylon-12 functions as: Bulking agent, mattifying powder, skin feel. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 24937-16-4.
Compliance Tools
Check Nylon-12 compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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