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Nylon-12

Nylon-12 suppliers and sourcing guide

Nylon-12 is a polyamide made by ring-opening polymerization of laurolactam (omega-laurolactam). Cosmetic grades are fine spherical or porous powders made by precipitation or emulsion processes, used in face powders, foundations, primers and creams for slip, soft-focus texture and oil absorption. Brands usually buy it as a white powder with a stated particle size, sometimes with a surface treatment.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Polyamide 12 · PA 12 · Poly(laurolactam) · CAS 25038-74-8
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of Nylon-12

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Spherical powder

    Smooth beads of a few to tens of micrometers, used for slip and feel in pressed and loose powders.

  • Porous powder

    Porous spherical particles with higher oil absorption, used in mattifying primers and foundations.

  • Surface-treated grades

    Nylon-12 coated with silicones, amino acids or other agents to change wetting and dispersion.

  • Composite powders

    Nylon-12 combined with other powders or pigments, listed under several INCI names on the label.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Infrared spectrum against a reference and melting point by DSC, which confirm polyamide 12 rather than another nylon.
Particle size
Mean size and distribution by laser diffraction, which drive feel and appearance on skin.
Residual monomer
Residual laurolactam by GC or HPLC against the supplier specification.
Loss on drying
Moisture content, usually low, measured by loss on drying or Karl Fischer.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other metals by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of specified pathogens.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep nylon-12 powder sealed in its original container in a dry area at room temperature, away from ignition sources, since fine polymer powders can form combustible dust clouds. It is chemically stable, so shelf life is usually long and is set by the supplier's specification and retest date.

Lots and expiry dates

Record particle size and oil absorption for each lot, because small shifts change the feel of powders. Note any surface treatment on the batch record, since treated and untreated grades are not interchangeable.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 177.1500 (2025 edition on govinfo) describes nylon 12 resins as made by the condensation of omega-laurolactam and lists conditions for their use in food-contact articles, such as food-contact films no thicker than 0.0016 inch.

    Source: govinfo.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Nylon-12 suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking Nylon-12 suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of Nylon-12 can brands buy?

Common forms include spherical powder, porous powder, surface-treated grades and composite powders. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for Nylon-12 include?

Expect identity, particle size, residual monomer, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should Nylon-12 be stored?

Keep nylon-12 powder sealed in its original container in a dry area at room temperature, away from ignition sources, since fine polymer powders can form combustible dust clouds. It is chemically stable, so shelf life is usually long and is set by the supplier's specification and retest date.

What is the regulatory status of Nylon-12?

21 CFR 177.1500 (2025 edition on govinfo) describes nylon 12 resins as made by the condensation of omega-laurolactam and lists conditions for their use in food-contact articles, such as food-contact films no thicker than 0.0016 inch.

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