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Polymethyl Methacrylate
AKA “Polymethyl Methacrylate”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polymethyl methacrylate
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Creates a lightweight, protective layer on skin or hair that helps products last longer and improves their staying power throughout the day.
CAS #
9011-14-7
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Smoothing
Creates Protective Barrier
UV Protection
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
A synthetic acrylic polymer developed in the early 20th century. Used in cosmetics since the mid-20th century as a film-forming agent, absorbent, and in color cosmetics for texture and spreadability.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-4
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel safety assessment of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, and
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2011
→
Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel safety assessment of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, and
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2011
→
Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel safety assessment of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, and
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2011
→
Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel safety assessment of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, and
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2011
→
Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Safety Assessment of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer and Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Polymethyl Methacrylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR