Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate

AKA: PHEMA, Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Synthetic

Not Clean

OriginSynthesized from hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers derived from acrylic acid and ethylene glycol. Produced through free radical polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers in controlled chemical reactions.

Homopolymer of hydroxyethyl methacrylate

CAS #

25249-16-5

Form

Powder

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Binding

Holds Formula Together

Holds ingredients together

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.

CIR · report published 2018

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR