Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer based on acrylamide and is used as a functional cosmetic ingredient in suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations. It is recognized for antistatic, binding and film-forming functions. These functions make Polyacrylamide relevant to selected hair-care, powder-based and film-forming cosmetic formulations.
Polyacrylamide has a polymeric structure, so its molecular characteristics can vary according to polymerization conditions and the specific commercial grade. It is commonly identified by CAS Number 9003-05-8, while its polymer formula can be represented as (C₃H₅NO)ₓ.
In cosmetic applications, Polyacrylamide can help reduce electrostatic charges, improve cohesion in powdered products and form a continuous film on skin, hair and/or nails. The actual performance depends on the grade, molecular characteristics, concentration and complete formulation.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer based on acrylamide. It belongs to the polyacrylamide family and is used in cosmetic formulations for specific functional properties.
Its polymeric structure enables it to provide film-forming and binding characteristics, while its antistatic function can help reduce electrostatic charges, particularly in hair-related formulations.
COSMILE Europe identifies Polyacrylamide as a synthetic polymer or copolymer based on acrylamide or acrylamide derivatives and lists antistatic, binding and film-forming functions.
Important chemical identity note: Polyacrylamide is a polymer rather than a single low-molecular-weight compound. Therefore, molecular weight and certain physical characteristics can vary according to the commercial grade. CAS 9003-05-8 and the polymer formula (C₃H₅NO)ₓ are commonly associated with Polyacrylamide.
Polyacrylamide is formed from repeating acrylamide units. Its simplified polymer structure can be represented as:
[-CH₂-CH(CONH₂)-]ₙ
The repeating polymer unit corresponds to acrylamide-based structural units.
Because Polyacrylamide is a polymer, the degree of polymerization can vary. This variation can influence:
The molecular formula is commonly represented as (C₃H₅NO)ₓ.
Polyacrylamide is recognized as an antistatic cosmetic ingredient.
Antistatic ingredients help reduce electrostatic charges, including electrostatic charging of hair. This functionality can be relevant to hair-care and personal-care formulations where improved manageability and reduced static are desired.
Potential formulation considerations include:
The final antistatic performance should be established through formulation-specific testing.
Polyacrylamide is also recognized for its binding function.
Binding ingredients help maintain the cohesion of powdered cosmetic products. Polyacrylamide can therefore be evaluated in suitable powder-containing formulations where particle cohesion and product integrity are required.
Potential formulation considerations include:
Polyacrylamide is recognized as a film-forming cosmetic ingredient.
Film-forming ingredients produce a continuous film on skin, hair and/or nails. Polyacrylamide can therefore be evaluated in cosmetic systems where polymeric film formation is desirable.
Film characteristics can depend on:
Polyacrylamide can be evaluated in selected hair-care formulations because of its antistatic and film-forming properties.
Potential applications include:
Formulators may evaluate:
The binding function of Polyacrylamide allows it to be evaluated in suitable powder-based cosmetic formulations.
Binding performance can contribute to the cohesion of powdered materials and the physical integrity of the finished product.
Potential formulation considerations include:
Polyacrylamide can be evaluated for suitable personal-care applications requiring antistatic, binding or film-forming functionality.
Potential applications include:
The appropriate commercial grade should be selected according to the intended formulation and technical requirements.
Residual acrylamide is an important quality consideration for Polyacrylamide intended for cosmetic use.
Polyacrylamide is based on acrylamide, so manufacturing controls and purification processes are important for controlling residual monomer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment states that Polyacrylamide can be used safely in cosmetics under the assessed conditions when the acrylamide monomer level in the formulation does not exceed 5 ppm. This should not be treated as a universal raw-material specification; applicable regulatory requirements and the approved specification for the actual commercial grade must be followed.
When evaluating Polyacrylamide, formulators may consider:
The applicable formulation conditions depend on the selected commercial grade.
Polyacrylamide is reported as soluble in water, although the actual behavior depends on polymer grade, molecular weight, concentration and formulation conditions. PubChem
Solubility and dispersion can be influenced by:
Formulation-specific testing should be performed before establishing final manufacturing parameters.
The physical form of Polyacrylamide is grade-dependent.
Commercial Polyacrylamide materials can be supplied in forms such as:
PubChem describes Polyacrylamide as being supplied in powders, emulsions and solutions and identifies it as a white solid in its solid form. PubChem
The exact appearance should be stated according to the actual commercial grade and Certificate of Analysis.
Quality-control testing may include:
The acceptance criteria should be based on the approved specification of the supplied commercial grade.
Recommended storage considerations include:
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic cosmetic polymer used in suitable formulations for antistatic, binding and film-forming applications.
For commercial sourcing, buyers can evaluate:
When sourcing Polyacrylamide, buyers may consider:
For bulk procurement, the exact commercial Polyacrylamide grade should be confirmed before purchase.
Important procurement information may include:
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer based on acrylamide and is used in suitable cosmetic formulations for antistatic, binding and film-forming functions.
The INCI name is Polyacrylamide.
The commonly associated CAS Number is 9003-05-8.
The polymer is commonly represented by the formula (C₃H₅NO)ₓ.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymeric cosmetic ingredient.
Its recognized cosmetic functions are antistatic, binding and film forming.
Yes. It is recognized as a film-forming ingredient that can produce a continuous film on skin, hair and/or nails.
Yes. It is recognized for binding and can help maintain the cohesion of powdered cosmetic products.
Yes. Its antistatic function can help reduce electrostatic charges, including those associated with hair.
No. Molecular-weight characteristics depend on polymerization and the specific commercial grade.
Not necessarily. Commercial Polyacrylamide can be supplied in different physical forms, including powders, emulsions and solutions.
Residual acrylamide is an important quality consideration. Applicable regulatory requirements and the specification of the actual commercial grade should be followed.
Yes. COSMILE Europe identifies Polyacrylamide as having a synthetic origin.
Yes. Its antistatic and film-forming functions make it suitable for evaluation in selected hair-care formulations.
Yes. Bulk supply can be evaluated according to the required grade, quantity, packaging and applicable product specifications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |