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Moumoujus

N-VINYL CAPROLACTAM.

Avoid CAS 2235-00-9 / NOT REPORTED

N-VINYL CAPROLACTAM is a highly reactive vinyl lactam monomer, primarily serving as a foundational chemical building block for the synthesis of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) and various copolymers. In cosmetic applications, its value lies not in direct skin interaction, but as a precursor for polymers that enhance product performance through film-forming, conditioning, and thermal stability.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a monomer, N-VINYL CAPROLACTAM does not possess a direct mechanism of action on the skin. Its fundamental role within the personal care industry is to undergo free-radical polymerization, yielding larger polymer structures. These resulting polymers, rather than the monomer itself, are then integrated into formulations to provide functional properties such as creating a protective film on the skin or hair, imparting conditioning benefits, and improving the thermal stability of the cosmetic product.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

N-VINYL CAPROLACTAM monomer demonstrates stability under controlled storage conditions, typically maintained at 2-8°C in a dry, well-ventilated environment. It is frequently stabilized with compounds such as HO-TEMPO. While polymers derived from NVC can exhibit pH sensitivity, specific optimal pH ranges for the monomer's stability in final cosmetic formulations are not readily available.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • polymerizing initiators
  • free radical initiators
  • heat
  • acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

The N-VINYL CAPROLACTAM monomer is classified with significant hazards, including being harmful if swallowed (H302), harmful in contact with skin (H312), potentially causing an allergic skin reaction (H317), causing serious eye irritation (H319), and damaging organs (liver, respiratory system) through prolonged or repeated exposure (H372). While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have not specifically reviewed this monomer, consumer exposure to the unpolymerized monomer in finished cosmetic products is considered unlikely. This is because it is almost exclusively incorporated into stable polymer matrices, leading to extremely low levels of residual monomer.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

N-VINYL CAPROLACTAM, as a monomer, is a hazardous chemical with high irritancy and sensitization risks, making it unsuitable for direct application; its value is exclusively as a precursor for safe, functional polymers in formulations.

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