Is Microsponges safe in cosmetics?
Microsponges has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted.
Moderate
Cosmetic Ingredient
Microsponges
INCI: METHYL METHACRYLATE/GLYCOL DIMETHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
Microsponges is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Controlled-release delivery system, Film forming, Skin conditioning. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted.
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Controlled-release delivery system, Film forming, Skin conditioning
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No FDA-specific ban; composition-dependent; synthetic polymer microparticle REACH restriction (EU 2023/2055) phases out most applications by 2027-2035; not covered by US Microbead-Free Waters Act if non-polyethylene
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Microsponges.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Microsponges.
Regulatory Flags
delivery-system
microplastics
controlled-release
polymer
REACH-restricted
phase-out
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsponges allowed in the EU?
Microsponges EU regulatory status: restricted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Microsponges do in cosmetics?
Microsponges functions as: Controlled-release delivery system, Film forming, Skin conditioning. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database.
Compliance Tools
Check Microsponges compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
Related Ingredients
(20S)-Protopanaxadiol
Moderate
Similar safety
(Cnidium Officinale/Coptis Chinensis/Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) Root Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning
(Cryptomeria Japonica/Chamaecyparis Obtusa) Stem Ferment Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Antimicrobial, antioxidant, humectant
(Eclipta Prostrata/Houttuynia Cordata) Leaf Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning
(Lepidium Meyenii/Sarcodon Aspratus) Root Water
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning
(Licorice/Reynoutria Japonica) Root/Stem Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
MILK
Good
Browse nearby
Skin Conditioning
MIPA C12-15 Pareth Sulfate
Moderate
Browse nearby
Surfactant - cleansing; foaming agent
MIPA-Borate
Moderate
Browse nearby
Buffering (pH control)
MIPA-C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Acetate
Moderate
Browse nearby
Surfactant - cleansing; foaming agent
1,4-Butanediol
Poor
Same EU status
Solvent, humectant, viscosity control...
1-Acetoxy-2-Methylnaphthalene
Good
Same EU status
Hair dyeing; colours the hair
1-Hexyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate
Good
Same EU status
Hair dyeing — oxidative hair colourin...
1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate
Moderate
Same EU status
Hair dyeing oxidative hair colouring ...
Is Microsponges in Your Products?
Scan any product label with Piro — our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.
Try Piro Free →Analyze Your Full Ingredient List
Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for Microsponges in your formulation.