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Moumoujus

ISOPROPYLACRYLAMIDE.

Avoid CAS 2210-25-5 / NOT REPORTED

Isopropylacrylamide is a chemical monomer primarily utilized as a building block for the synthesis of advanced polymers, notably poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). While the monomer itself is an irritant, its polymerized forms are leveraged for their unique thermoresponsive properties in various high-precision applications, including some cosmetic and biomedical materials.

Summary

Monomer for polymer synthesis Precursor for film formers Precursor for emulsion stabilizers Precursor for viscosity modifiers Precursor for water retention agents Precursor for temperature-sensitive thickeners

Science

Mechanism of Action

N-Isopropylacrylamide's primary mechanism of action in a cosmetic context is as the foundational monomer for creating poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). PNIPAM is a thermoresponsive polymer that undergoes a reversible phase transition around 32°C, its Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST). Below this temperature, PNIPAM is hydrophilic and soluble; above it, it becomes hydrophobic, expelling water and forming a gel. This allows its polymeric forms to function as temperature-sensitive film formers, emulsion stabilizers, or viscosity modifiers, enabling controlled release or property changes based on skin temperature in sophisticated formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient is a monomer primarily used for polymerization, not typically applied directly to the skin in powder or highly concentrated forms that would lead to 'dusting' issues in consumer use.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

N-Isopropylacrylamide exists as a solid with a melting point of 64 °C. It exhibits high solubility in water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, MEK, and ethyl cellosolve. Its polymeric form, PNIPAM, is characterized by a thermoresponsive Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) around 32°C, which can be precisely tuned through concentration, molecular weight, polydispersity, or copolymerization, influencing its phase transition behavior.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong bases

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not evaluated Isopropylacrylamide as a standalone monomer. However, specific copolymers containing Isopropylacrylamide have been deemed safe. The N-isopropylacrylamide monomer itself is classified as an irritant, a moderate eye irritant, and crude solutions may cause skin irritation. GHS classification indicates it is harmful if swallowed and can cause serious eye damage or irritation. In contrast, its polymerized form, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), generally shows good biocompatibility and lower cytotoxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

As a standalone monomer, Isopropylacrylamide is an irritant with no direct skin benefits and significant safety concerns, making its direct topical application unsuitable for precision skincare.

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