Ingredient deep-dive

Nylon-66: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

Polyamide used where a harder particle is wanted. Same microplastic classification as other nylons, common in long-wear powders.

Where it appears

Long-wear powders
Mascara fibres
Body glitter and shimmer

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Within scope of the EU microplastics restriction.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Mica for shimmer
Rice starch
Cellulose

Use the app

Scan any product for Nylon-66 in 5 seconds

The MicroPlastics iOS app flags this ingredient and 24 others instantly. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.

Download on the App Store

Nylon-66, common questions

Is Nylon-66 a microplastic?

Yes. Polyamide used where a harder particle is wanted. Same microplastic classification as other nylons, common in long-wear powders.

Is Nylon-66 banned?

EU: Within scope of the EU microplastics restriction. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Nylon-66?

Cleaner alternatives include: Mica for shimmer; Rice starch; Cellulose.

What products contain Nylon-66?

Commonly found in: Long-wear powders; Mascara fibres; Body glitter and shimmer.

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.

Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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