Is PMMA safe in cosmetics?
PMMA has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Excellent
Cosmetic Ingredient
PMMA
Also known as: EC No.: 618-466-4, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Methacrylic acid methyl ester polymers, Plexiglas, UNII-Z47NNT4J11
INCI: POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE
PMMA (CAS 9011-14-7) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Mattifying agent; soft-focus optical diffuser; pore appearance minimizer;. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 9011-14-7 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Mattifying agent; soft-focus optical diffuser; pore appearance minimizer; sebum-absorbing microsphere filler; longevity extender in film former matrix
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No specific FDA restrictions for cosmetic use (21 CFR 700-740). CIR Panel (2011) concluded safe in practices of use and concentrations. Listed in VCRP across 892+ products. FDA has separately granted PMA approval for implantable PMMA devices (intraocular lenses since 1976; dermal fillers/Bellafill since 2006), providing a strong systemic safety basis.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for PMMA.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
19, Sup 7
Evaluation Year
1987
Additional Ingredient Properties
1 property record from structured ingredient metadata.
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "all,oily,combination,normal", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "PMMA - mattifier"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Anti-adhesive/cohesive
Binder
Degradant/impurity
Filler
Film former
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Solvent
Surface modifier
Thickening agent
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for PMMA.
Regulatory Flags
eu-unrestricted
cir-approved
no-sccs-opinion
eu_children_restricted
Known Synonyms
EC No.: 618-466-4
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Methacrylic acid methyl ester polymers
Plexiglas
UNII-Z47NNT4J11
Chemical Function
Film former
Solvent
Filler
Binder
Regulatory Lists
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care - nails
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - specialized bath products - bubble bath
Arts and crafts/Office supplies - general arts and crafts supplies - arts and crafts adhesive; Europe
Europe; Toys and children's products
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PMMA allowed in the EU?
PMMA EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does PMMA do in cosmetics?
PMMA functions as: Mattifying agent; soft-focus optical diffuser; pore appearance minimizer; sebum-absorbing microsphere filler; longevity extender in film former matrix. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9011-14-7.
Compliance Tools
Check PMMA 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
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