Nylon-12
AKA: Azacyclotridecan-2-one, Laurolactam, Lauryl lactam, Dodecyllactam, Laurinolactam, Laurin lactam, Omega-Laurolactam, CYCLODODECALACTAM
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Nylon-12 is a cosmetic ingredient. Rated low hazard by EWG.
Formula
C12H23NO
Mol. Weight
197.32
CAS #
25038-74-8
Form
Powder
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Adds Body & Volume
Adds Opacity
Controls Viscosity
Adds volume
Creates creamy opacity
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
A synthetic macrocyclic compound developed for use in fragrance and cosmetic formulations. Created as a component of musky scents in the late 20th century for perfumery and personal care products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR