Skip to main content
Back to ingredient checker

Ingredient deep-dive

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

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

Where it appears

  • Filler in foundations and primers
  • Lip plumpers
  • Anti-aging fillers (cosmetic-grade)

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted in rinse-off products since October 2023 under EU 2023/2055.

United States

No federal cosmetic restriction; medical-grade PMMA is FDA-cleared for specific dermal fillers.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Silica microspheres
  • Cellulose microspheres
  • Tapioca starch as soft-focus filler

Use the app

Scan any product for Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) 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

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) — common questions

Is Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) a microplastic?

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

Is Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) banned?

EU: Restricted in rinse-off products since October 2023 under EU 2023/2055. US: No federal cosmetic restriction; medical-grade PMMA is FDA-cleared for specific dermal fillers.

What can I use instead of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Silica microspheres; Cellulose microspheres; Tapioca starch as soft-focus filler.

What products contain Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)?

Commonly found in: Filler in foundations and primers; Lip plumpers; Anti-aging fillers (cosmetic-grade).

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.

Read more

Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Read more

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

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

Read more

Nylon-12 / Nylon-6

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Plastic powder used in mattifying primers, mascara, and loose powders.

Read more