Snapshot
- Overview
- A thickening polymer that gives gels a silky, soft-focus finish.
- Category
- Tone/Texture
- Type
- Thickener
Polyacrylamide
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer used as a thickener and film former. It builds viscosity and slip, refines feel, and creates a soft-focus finish in gels, lotions, and serums.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Polyacrylamide a Good Ingredient?
It's a reliable thickener and film former that improves glide and finish, good enough for a Good rating, though it's less versatile than newer copolymers and can feel filmy at higher levels, which keeps it short of Great.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Provides a silky, refined texture and smoother skin feel. Forms a light film that helps products apply evenly and resist immediate smudging.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Used in serums, primers, and gel-cream moisturizers for a polished texture; also found in hair styling gels for sleek hold.
Before you use it
Safety
Usually low irritation in leave-on and rinse-off use. Regulations limit residual acrylamide monomer in polyacrylamide, and reputable suppliers meet these controls.
Products with Polyacrylamide
