Ingredient deep-dive
Nylon-12 / Nylon-6: Is It a Microplastic?
Plastic powder used in mattifying primers, mascara, and loose powders.
Where it appears
- Mattifying primers
- Loose setting powders
- Mascara (as fiber extender)
- Anti-aging serums (as soft-focus optical filler)
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Restricted in rinse-off cosmetics; leave-on restrictions phased through 2027.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Silica
- Rice powder
- Cellulose powder
Use the app
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Download on the App StoreNylon-12 / Nylon-6 — common questions
Is Nylon-12 / Nylon-6 a microplastic?
Is Nylon-12 / Nylon-6 banned?
What can I use instead of Nylon-12 / Nylon-6?
What products contain Nylon-12 / Nylon-6?
Related ingredients
Polyethylene
Microplastic polymer · High concern
Solid plastic polymer. The EU restricted intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics from October 2023, including polyethylene microbeads.
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
Solid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.
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The same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.
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