Acrylamide
What is Acrylamide?
Acrylamide is a synthetic chemical compound primarily used as a monomer in the production of polyacrylamide polymers, which serve as thickeners, stabilizers, and film-formers in cosmetics and personal care products. In skincare formulations, it appears indirectly through copolymers like acrylamide/sodium acrylate copolymer rather than as the pure monomer. It is highly water-soluble and polymerizes to form gels or thickening agents commonly found in hair gels, mascaras, and some moisturizers.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.