Ingredient deep-dive
Polyamide (and Polyamide-2 to -8): Is It a Microplastic?
The chemical family name for nylons. If a label says Polyamide rather than Nylon-12, it is the same class of solid synthetic polymer particle.
Where it appears
- Powders and primers
- Mascara fibres
- Texture modifiers
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Within the EU microplastics restriction.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Rice starch
- Silica
- Cellulose fibres
Use the app
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Download on the App StorePolyamide (and Polyamide-2 to -8), common questions
Is Polyamide (and Polyamide-2 to -8) a microplastic?
Is Polyamide (and Polyamide-2 to -8) banned?
What can I use instead of Polyamide (and Polyamide-2 to -8)?
What products contain Polyamide (and Polyamide-2 to -8)?
Related ingredients
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.
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