Ingredient dictionary

Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer, a long chain of repeating units, used to thicken and smooth formulas. It is on the label of 21 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Polyacrylamide does

Thickens water-based creams and lotions
Gives a smooth, cushiony texture
Helps keep a lotion from separating

Polyacrylamide is made by linking many small acrylamide units into one long chain. Manufacturers control the process so that very little leftover acrylamide remains in the finished ingredient. Its large molecules sit on the surface rather than sinking deep into skin, where they give a soft, smooth feel.

Formulators use it to build body in water-based products. It helps a cream feel rich without feeling heavy, and it spreads evenly across the skin. It is usually added in small amounts and works well alongside other thickeners. In a lotion, you may notice a silky, slightly slippery glide when you rub it in.

Good for

Suits people who like lightweight, smooth-feeling moisturizers and body lotions that absorb without greasiness.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is polyacrylamide safe in skincare?

Polyacrylamide is widely used in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated. Its large molecules stay on the skin's surface and are not expected to absorb deeply. As with any product, a patch test is a sensible step if your skin is sensitive.

Is polyacrylamide the same as acrylamide?

No. Acrylamide is the small building block, while polyacrylamide is the much larger polymer made from many of those units. Cosmetic-grade polyacrylamide is made to keep leftover acrylamide very low, so the two are not interchangeable.