Nylon-12

Nylon-12 1
photograph
Nylon-12 2
photograph
AKA: Azacyclotridecan-2-one, Laurolactam, Lauryl lactam, Dodecyllactam, Laurinolactam, Laurin lactam, Omega-Laurolactam, CYCLODODECALACTAM
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
OriginNylon-12 is a synthetic polyamide derived from petroleum-based starting materials, primarily from the chemical family of long-chain aliphatic polyamides. It is synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of laurolactam monomers under controlled heat and catalytic conditions.
Nylon-12 is a cosmetic ingredient. Rated low hazard by EWG.
Formula
C12H23NO
Mol. Weight
197.32
CAS #
25038-74-8
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 613)
Not a Skin Irritant
5 studies / 5 not irritating (CIR 613)
Not a Sensitizer
6 studies / 6 not sensitizing (CIR 613)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.001–35%
Rinse-off0.5–1%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2014
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR