Ingredient deep-dive

Nylon-6: Is It a Microplastic?

Sources reviewedPolymer names

Nylon-6 is a synthetic polyamide and can qualify in particle forms meeting the relevant definition. A label-name match does not establish fiber or powder dimensions, amount, exposure or legal compliance.

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-6 is a linear polyamide derived from caprolactam. The 2014 CIR report distinguishes it from Nylon-12 and Nylon-66. The number is a nomenclature distinction, not the polymer’s chain length or a particle-size reading.

Identity corrections and evidence limits

The earlier claim that Nylon-6 differs from Nylon-12 only by chain length is corrected. Polymer starting materials and molecular weight are separate questions.

The 2014 assessment supports the identity and historical use scope here. It does not establish that a particular mascara uses fibers, the quantity released in use or a universal 2035 leave-on deadline.

Reported uses and functions

Bulking and opacifying functions in the reviewed nylon group
Historical mascara 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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The web checker compares label names with a selective reference. A photo or text match cannot measure particles or exposure. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.

Nylon-6, common questions

Is Nylon-6 a microplastic?

Does a label match mean Nylon-6 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.