Ingredient deep-dive

Nylon-12: Is It a Microplastic?

Sources reviewedPolymer names

Nylon-12 is a synthetic polyamide, with powder grades described in the literature. Whether your product contains qualifying polymer microparticles requires the actual grade, particle properties and use; the label alone is insufficient.

Shared method updated October 6, 2026. Individual sources reviewed October 6, 2026.

What changed in this reference

Earlier pages inferred a yes/no microplastic verdict from an editorial high/medium/low grouping. Those labels were not measurements or health-risk grades. The shared answer, FAQ and regulation context now distinguish label names from physical particles. This entry also received the individual source review described below.

Nylon-12 is a polyamide. The 2014 CIR report describes laurolactam synthesis; FDA’s identity inventory also lists Polyamide-12. It is a different polymer identity from Nylon-6 and Nylon-66.

Identity corrections and evidence limits

The earlier claim that all leave-on cosmetics share a 2035 deadline, or that rinse-off restrictions cannot apply, is withdrawn. Product use and the restriction’s criteria must be checked.

Polyamide-12 now resolves to this dedicated identity. FDA’s food-contact listing supports the alias, not general cosmetic approval. A historical powder measurement cannot be assigned to every current Nylon-12 formula.

Reported uses and functions

Bulking and opacifying functions in the reviewed nylon group
Historical eye-shadow and face-powder uses described in the 2014 report

How the rules depend on the product

European Union

The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance.

United States

The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking.

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Nylon-12, common questions

Is Nylon-12 a microplastic?

Does a label match mean Nylon-12 is banned?

A label match alone cannot determine product compliance. EU context: The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance. US context: The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking. Other substance-specific rules are separate from the microplastic definition; this reference is not a compliance determination.

Can a label show the particle count or health effect?

A label-name match does not measure particles, concentration, exposure or health effects. Polymer identity alone does not establish particle form or legal scope.

Sources and review scope

The Commission guide establishes the shared definition and transition context; CosIng inclusion is not ingredient approval. Label rules do not provide a particle assay. Ingredient-specific sources support the identity and scope stated here, not a tested product or measured health outcome.