Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate
AKA “PHEMA, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)
Synthetic
vote to see if the hive agrees
Ingredient Facts
Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate
AKA: PHEMA, Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)
Synthetic · Binding | Film Forming | Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight film-former that helps products stay on skin and hair, keeping formulas intact throughout the day.
CAS #
25249-16-5
Form
Powder
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Synthesized from hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers derived from acrylic acid and ethylene glycol. Produced through free radical polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers in controlled chemical reactions.
Function
Binding | Film Forming | Skin Conditioning
Benefits
Holds Formula Together
Holds ingredients together
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic polymer. Used in cosmetics as a film-former and thickener, originally derived from polymer chemistry research in the plastics industry.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR