What Is Nylon-10/10?
Nylon-10/10 is a synthetic polyamide created by linking equal lengths of two ten-carbon building blocks: sebacic acid and decamethylenediamine. Sebacic acid is often sourced from castor oil while decamethylenediamine can come from either plant-based feedstocks or petroleum derivatives. Through a condensation reaction the two components join to form long, resilient chains known by the chemical description “poly[imino(1,10-dioxo-1,10-decanediyl)imino-1,10-decanediyl].”
Nylon materials first appeared in the late 1930s as textile fibers. Decades later cosmetic chemists discovered that finely milled forms of certain nylons, including Nylon-10/10, could enhance texture and optical properties in makeup and skin care. Today the ingredient is produced in controlled reactors, then cooled, chipped, ground and sieved into ultra-smooth micro-powders suited for topical use.
You are most likely to see Nylon-10/10 in loose or pressed powders, liquid and stick foundations, primers, tinted moisturizers, sunscreens, certain sheet masks, as well as age-defying creams that promise a soft-focus finish. Its popularity comes from its ability to bulk up formulas without heaviness and to give products a pleasant, velvety feel.
Nylon-10/10’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care and makeup Nylon-10/10 serves two main purposes that improve how a product looks, feels and performs.
- Bulking: Adds body to a formula so it spreads evenly and feels substantial on the skin, helping powders press better and liquids achieve a smooth glide
- Opacifying: Reduces transparency, giving creams and makeup fuller coverage and a soft-focus effect that can blur fine lines and uneven tone
Who Can Use Nylon-10/10
Nylon-10/10 is generally suitable for all skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry. Its lightweight silky texture does not trap excess oil so even acne-prone skin typically tolerates it well. Extremely sensitive or compromised skin may prefer to proceed slowly simply because any particulate ingredient can cause mechanical irritation if rubbed in aggressively.
The polymer is fully synthetic and derived from plant-based sebacic acid plus petrochemical or bio-based diamine, so it contains no animal-sourced components. That makes products using Nylon-10/10 acceptable for vegans and vegetarians unless other ingredients in the same formula originate from animals.
Current safety data show no pregnancy or breastfeeding restrictions specific to Nylon-10/10. Nonetheless this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider.
Nylon-10/10 does not absorb UV light and has not been linked to photosensitivity. It can be worn day or night without increasing the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Nylon-10/10 differ between individuals. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation or redness, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Follicular clogging in rare cases where heavy occlusive ingredients are also present
- Transient eye irritation if loose powder accidentally gets into the eyes
- Respiratory discomfort from inhaling airborne powder during application of loose products
- Allergic contact dermatitis, exceedingly rare given the polymer’s inert nature
If any adverse reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 Nylon-10/10 particles are inert, lightweight and do not form an oily film, so they are unlikely to block pores on their own. A small risk of clogging exists only when the powder is packed into a formula rich in heavy waxes or oils that sit on the skin. Overall it is considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the product is also low in pore-clogging ingredients. Because it is a dry polymer rather than a greasy agent, it does not feed acne-causing bacteria or trap sweat under the surface.
Summary
Nylon-10/10 is used to bulk up cosmetics and make them look less see-through while giving skin a soft, velvety feel. It achieves this by acting as a tiny, smooth filler that adds volume and scatters light. The ingredient is fairly common in powders, foundations and primers but it is not a household name since it works quietly in the background without a flashy marketing story.
Current research shows Nylon-10/10 is low risk, non-sensitizing and suitable for most skin types. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains it just to be safe.