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Polyamide-5

What Polyamide-5 is & what it does

Polyamide-5 is a synthetic polymer built from repeating amide-linked units, belonging to the same nylon-type family used widely in cosmetics. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it acts as a film former, viscosity controller, or texturizer, helping to thicken a product and give it a smooth, even feel on the skin. As a high-molecular-weight polymer it tends to stay on the surface rather than being absorbed.

What does Polyamide-5 do in skincare?

Polyamide-5 is a synthetic polymer that works as a film former, thickener, and texture agent in skincare and sunscreen formulas. It can help build viscosity and give a product a smooth, even feel. As a large polymer it generally stays on the skin surface rather than absorbing.

Is Polyamide-5 comedogenic?

Polyamide-5 is a high-molecular-weight polymer that is not commonly flagged as a pore-clogging ingredient. Because it tends to remain on the skin surface rather than penetrate, it is generally considered low risk for clogging pores. Individual skin can still respond differently, so patch testing is reasonable if you are prone to breakouts.

Is Polyamide-5 vegan?

Polyamide-5 is a synthetic polymer made from manufactured raw materials rather than animal sources, so the ingredient itself is generally suitable for vegan formulas. Whether a finished product qualifies as vegan also depends on its other ingredients and the brand's policies. Checking the product's labeling gives the clearest answer.

Sunscreens with Polyamide-5

We rate 21 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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