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Ingredient deep-dive

Nylon-12: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

Solid polyamide microsphere used to blur pores and absorb oil. One of the most common intentionally added microplastics in colour cosmetics, and a leave-on product so no rinse-off restriction applies.

Where it appears

  • Primers and pore-blurring products
  • Loose and pressed powders
  • Mattifying foundations
  • Eyeshadow (for slip)

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Leave-on cosmetics must be reformulated by 2035 under the EU microplastics restriction; rinse-off already restricted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Rice starch
  • Tapioca starch
  • Silica (mineral)
  • Bamboo powder

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Nylon-12, common questions

Is Nylon-12 a microplastic?

Yes. Solid polyamide microsphere used to blur pores and absorb oil. One of the most common intentionally added microplastics in colour cosmetics, and a leave-on product so no rinse-off restriction applies.

Is Nylon-12 banned?

EU: Leave-on cosmetics must be reformulated by 2035 under the EU microplastics restriction; rinse-off already restricted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Nylon-12?

Cleaner alternatives include: Rice starch; Tapioca starch; Silica (mineral); Bamboo powder.

What products contain Nylon-12?

Commonly found in: Primers and pore-blurring products; Loose and pressed powders; Mattifying foundations; Eyeshadow (for slip).

Related ingredients

Polyethylene

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Polypropylene

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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

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The same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.

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Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.

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