What Is Acryloyl Morpholine?
Acryloyl Morpholine is a man-made ingredient created by combining morpholine, a ring-shaped compound derived from petroleum chemistry, with acrylic acid to form an acryloyl group. The result is a clear, low-odor liquid that easily integrates into water-based or hydro-alcoholic formulas. First explored in the 1970s for medical hydrogels and industrial coatings, it eventually caught the attention of cosmetic chemists who valued its ability to keep flexible films soft and comfortable on the skin. Manufacturing usually involves reacting purified morpholine with acryloyl chloride under controlled conditions, then refining the mixture to remove any residual solvents. Today you are most likely to find Acryloyl Morpholine in peel-off masks, nail polishes, under-eye patches, long-wear makeup, hair styling gels and other products that rely on thin yet supple films.
Acryloyl Morpholine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In beauty formulas Acryloyl Morpholine serves a single but important purpose as a plasticiser, meaning it softens and adds flexibility to film-forming ingredients. By doing so it prevents cracking or flaking, keeps masks pliable during wear and removal, and helps nail polish or makeup move with the skin for a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Who Can Use Acryloyl Morpholine
Acryloyl Morpholine is considered gentle enough for most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it stays on the surface and is used at low concentrations. Those with extremely reactive or broken skin should still be cautious as any film former can trap heat and moisture which might aggravate existing irritation.
The ingredient is fully synthetic, produced from petroleum-derived feedstocks, so it contains no animal by-products and is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the final product for animal-derived additives such as beeswax or carmine that may be included alongside it.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Acryloyl Morpholine is used topically in cosmetics. Its large molecular structure limits skin absorption and systemic exposure. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified health professional for extra safety.
Acryloyl Morpholine is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal sun protection measures still apply for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Acryloyl Morpholine differ from person to person. The points below cover potential reactions yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Skin irritation – mild redness stinging or itching can occur especially on compromised or very sensitive skin
- Contact allergy – rare cases of allergic dermatitis have been reported with acrylate compounds resulting in rash or swelling
- Eye irritation – if the liquid or dried film gets into the eyes it may cause burning or watering
- Dryness or tightness – prolonged wear of peel-off masks or patches may temporarily leave the skin feeling dry or tight once removed
If any discomfort redness or swelling appears stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Acryloyl Morpholine is a water-compatible plasticiser that stays on the surface, does not contain oily or waxy residues and has a large molecular size that limits pore penetration, so it is considered non-comedogenic. Acne-prone users can generally use products containing this ingredient without added risk of clogged pores. Because it is often paired with other film formers, watch for heavier oils or butters in the same formula that might influence overall pore-clogging potential.
Summary
Acryloyl Morpholine works mainly as a plasticiser, softening and adding flexibility to film-forming polymers so masks peel off cleanly, nail polish resists cracking and long wear makeup moves comfortably with facial expressions. It is a niche but valued helper ingredient found in peel-off masks, nail products and some long wear cosmetics rather than mainstream moisturisers or cleansers, so you may not see it on every label yet it is appreciated by formulators who need durable flexible films.
Current safety data shows low irritation potential, minimal skin absorption and no comedogenicity, making it suitable for most skin types including sensitive or acne-prone skin. As with any new cosmetic product, perform a small patch test to confirm personal tolerance before regular use.