How we scored it
Where it comes from
Caprolactam comes from cyclohexanone (benzene route); dodecyllactam (laurolactam) comes from butadiene via cyclododecatriene. Both are standard petrochemical monomers with no natural-origin commercial route.
In plain English
A synthetic polyamide powder used to absorb oil and add bulk or opacity in powders and makeup. It's made from petroleum-derived building blocks, the same chemical family as nylon fabric.
CosIng definition: Nylon-6/12 is a polyamide formed by the reaction of caprolactam and dodecyllactam.
Natural alternatives with the same function
A mineral powder (aluminum oxide) refined from bauxite ore. Used in cosmetics as an abrasive, absorbent, bulking agent,…
Aluminum Magnesium Oxide 100% natural originA mineral powder (magnesium aluminate spinel) used to absorb oil and moisture, stop powders caking and add bulk,…
Aluminum Silicate 100% natural originA mineral powder used as an abrasive, filler and anti-caking agent in powders and cosmetics. It comes from…
Ananas Sativus Fruit Powder 100% natural originA powder made from dried, ground pineapple plant material, used to add texture or mild exfoliation to formulas.…
Attapulgite 100% natural originA fibrous clay mineral, also called palygorskite, mined from natural deposits. Gently exfoliates, absorbs oil, bulks out powders,…
Avena Sativa Bran 100% natural originThe ground outer coating of oat kernels. Used as a mild abrasive, bulking and absorbent ingredient, for example…
References
- 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
- 2NYLON-6/12. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3NYLON-6/12. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=NYLON-6/12