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Polyacrylamide

A cosmetic ingredient used as antistatic, binding, film forming in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

2-Propenamide, homopolymer

What does it do?

Polyacrylamide is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Antistatic

    reduces static electricity, mostly in hair products to keep strands smooth and manageable

  • Binding

    holds the components of a formulation together, especially in pressed powders and compact makeup

  • Film forming

    forms a thin continuous film on skin, hair, or nails — used in long-wear makeup, sunscreens, and hairsprays

EU regulatory status

This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.

Polyacrylamide is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 66). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.

Frequently asked questions

What is Polyacrylamide?

Polyacrylamide is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 2-Propenamide, homopolymer

Is Polyacrylamide allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Only with restrictions. Polyacrylamide is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Polyacrylamide do in cosmetic products?

Polyacrylamide is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antistatic, binding, film forming.

What is the CAS number of Polyacrylamide?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Polyacrylamide is 9003-05-8.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010