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Moumoujus

POLYOXYMETHYLENE UREA.

Optional CAS 68611-64-3 / 9011-05-6 / BULKING

Polyoxymethylene Urea is a functional ingredient primarily utilized as a bulking agent, efficiently increasing product volume and diluting other solids. It also plays a role in regulating water content and stabilizing pH by buffering against organic acids.

Summary

Bulking agent Water content regulator pH buffer Microcapsule former

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by physically augmenting the volume of cosmetic formulations, enabling the dilution of other solid components. Furthermore, it contributes to product stability by acting as a buffer, neutralizing organic acids, and helps maintain optimal water levels within the mixture.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted

As a solid ingredient frequently incorporated into powder-based makeup products (e.g., eye shadows, face powders), Polyoxymethylene Urea inherently carries a risk of becoming airborne. While no specific dusting threshold for the ingredient itself is identified, its use is restricted in aerosolized products due to the potential release of free formaldehyde. Finished products containing this ingredient must ensure free formaldehyde levels do not exceed 0.2%.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Unknown
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyoxymethylene Urea is a non-reactive solid ingredient. A key stability concern is its potential to release free formaldehyde during formulation or storage, which must be carefully monitored to comply with regulatory limits.

Conflicts

  • Aerosolized products: Use is restricted due to insufficient safety data for this application and the amplified risk of formaldehyde exposure when airborne.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has deemed Polyoxymethylene Urea safe for cosmetic use, provided specific restrictions are met. Critically, the concentration of free formaldehyde in any finished product must not exceed 0.2%. While initial tests indicated mild skin and transient ocular irritation, clinical data showed no irritation or sensitization under typical cosmetic use conditions. Safety data for aerosolized applications is considered insufficient. The FDA recognizes Urea-Formaldehyde Resin (Polyoxymethylene Urea) as an indirect food additive in certain adhesive and polymer applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

Polyoxymethylene Urea is an optional formulation aid valued for its bulking and pH-buffering properties, safe for use under strict adherence to free formaldehyde limits, but not recommended for aerosolized products.

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