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Thickener

Polyacrylamide

Synthetic water-soluble polyacrylamide polymer — widely used as a thickener and film-former in cosmetics. Provides formulas with a glossy film texture and improves moisture retention. Safe for cosmetic use, but with limited residual acrylamide monomer content.

synthetic polymerthickenerfilm-formerrheology
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Polyacrylamide (INCI: Polyacrylamide) — synthetic polymer. Molecular weight: 100,000 – 5,000,000 Da (various grades). Well soluble in water. Functions in cosmetics: 1) Thickener/gelling agent for aqueous phases; 2) Film-former — thin glossy film on the skin; 3) Stabilizer of suspensions and emulsions; 4) Hair conditioner. In products: often in combination with C13-14 Isoparaffin + Laureth-7 (trade name Sepigel 305 from Seppic — gel-lotion). Safety: polymer is safe, but contains residual acrylamide monomer (potential carcinogen) — EU limits to 0.1 ppm in products.

Gel-lotions and fluid cosmetics, self-tanning products, hair styling agents, sunscreen lotions with a light texture.

Key Benefits

✦
Light non-greasy film — "fluid" texture
Polyacrylamide in combination with isoparaffin and laureth-7 (Sepigel 305) provides a characteristic light non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly. Film on the skin: thin, non-comedogenic, mattifying. Popular in sunscreen formulas and moisturizing lotions for oily skin due to the absence of greasiness while providing sufficient moisture.
◈
Stabilization of complex formulations
Polyacrylamide effectively stabilizes suspensions (pigments, micro-particles) and protects emulsions from separation. Especially useful in self-tanning products with DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and in sunscreen formulas with physical filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide). Improves the evenness of application and distribution of actives.
✧
Hair conditioning and styling products
In hair products: polyacrylamide forms a flexible fixing film around the hair → light hold without stiffness. Conditioning effect: reduces friction between hair strands. Popular in "no-heat styling" products and light gels for styling curls.

Suitable for

oily skinhair productslight non-greasy textures

Main Actions

✓ gel formation with a light texture✓ film formation✓ stabilization of suspensions
Safety of polyacrylamide — what you need to know

Polyacrylamide (polymer): safe according to CIR and SCCS assessment — does not penetrate the skin. Acrylamide (monomer): potential neurotoxin and carcinogen. Issue: <0.1% unpolymerized monomer remains in the production process. EU Regulation 1223/2009 limits content to 0.1 ppm in the finished product. Modern technologies allow the production of polyacrylamide with extremely low monomer content. Polyacrylamide is a microplastic — restrictions are being discussed in the EU for 2026–2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Polyacrylamide do for skin?
Gel-lotions and fluid cosmetics, self-tanning products, hair styling agents, sunscreen lotions with a light texture.
Who should use Polyacrylamide?
Polyacrylamide is suitable for: oily skin, hair products, light non-greasy textures.
Are there any warnings about Polyacrylamide?
Polyacrylamide (polymer): safe according to CIR and SCCS assessment — does not penetrate the skin. Acrylamide (monomer): potential neurotoxin and carcinogen. Issue: <0.1% unpolymerized monomer remains in the production process. EU Regulation 1223/2009 limits content to 0.1 ppm in

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