Polymethyl Acrylate

Polymethyl Acrylate 1
AKA: PMA, Poly(methyl acrylate)
Synthetic
Occlusive
Clean
Methyl 2-propenoate, homopolymer
CAS #
9003-21-8
Form
Powder
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Wound Healing
Antimicrobial
Boosts Collagen
Creates protective layer
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics as a film-former and suspending agent in place of traditional plant-derived gums.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR