Ingredient review
Acryloyl Morpholine
INCI: Acryloyl Morpholine
A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put on skin and resist water, but it's not a moisturizer or active ingredient.
In plain English
Acryloyl Morpholine is a man-made polymer that creates a thin, invisible film on your skin when applied. This film helps other ingredients—like sunscreen filters or pigments—stay in place longer and resist rubbing off or washing away with water or sweat. Think of it like a gentle, flexible glue that holds your skincare or makeup in place without feeling heavy or sticky. It doesn't hydrate or treat your skin; it's purely a performance enhancer for the product's texture and wear.
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Acryloyl Morpholine is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Acryloyl Morpholine.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Acryloyl Morpholine is a synthetic polymer derived from acrylic acid and morpholine. It is used in cosmetics primarily as a film-forming agent, meaning it dries down to a continuous layer on the skin. It also helps control the thickness (viscosity) of a formula, making it easier to apply evenly.
How it works
When applied, the polymer chains in Acryloyl Morpholine spread across the skin and, as the water or solvent evaporates, they link together to form a flexible, water-resistant film. This film physically locks in other ingredients (like UV filters or pigments) and reduces their transfer to clothing or other surfaces. It also helps the product maintain its texture and feel during wear.
Pros
Boosts water resistance
Helps sunscreens and makeup stay effective even when you sweat or go swimming, so you don't have to reapply as often.
Improves wear time
Creates a flexible film that keeps foundation and eye makeup from fading or transferring onto clothes throughout the day.
Cons and cautions
No skin benefit
It's a performance ingredient only—it doesn't hydrate, soothe, or treat any skin concerns, so it's filler in terms of skincare value.
Can feel drying
The film it forms may feel tight or uncomfortable on very dry or sensitive skin, especially if used in high concentrations.
Best for
- People who want their sunscreen or makeup to last through swimming, sweating, or long days
- Those with normal to combination skin looking for a non-greasy, long-wear finish
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry or dehydrated skin, as the film may feel restrictive or emphasize dryness
Usage tips
Safety summary
Acryloyl Morpholine is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, individuals with very sensitive or dry skin may experience mild tightness. No serious safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has reviewed Acryloyl Morpholine and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. Studies show it is not a significant irritant or sensitizer. Most evidence comes from industry safety data rather than independent clinical trials, so the evidence level is moderate.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated it and found it safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Sunscreens, Water-resistant makeup, Long-wear foundations
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it may not be biodegradable. However, it is used in very small amounts and is not known to accumulate in the environment significantly.
Good to know
- Acryloyl Morpholine is often listed near the end of ingredient lists because it's used in small amounts.
- It is not the same as morpholine, a different chemical with safety concerns—this polymer is considered safe for topical use.
Common questions
What is Acryloyl Morpholine in beauty products?
Acryloyl Morpholine is a man-made polymer that creates a thin, invisible film on your skin when applied. This film helps other ingredients—like sunscreen filters or pigments—stay in place longer and resist rubbing off or washing away with water or sweat. Think of it like a gentle, flexible glue that holds your skincare or makeup in place without feeling heavy or sticky. It doesn't hydrate or treat your skin; it's purely a performance enhancer for the product's texture and wear.
What does Acryloyl Morpholine do in a beauty product?
When applied, the polymer chains in Acryloyl Morpholine spread across the skin and, as the water or solvent evaporates, they link together to form a flexible, water-resistant film. This film physically locks in other ingredients (like UV filters or pigments) and reduces their transfer to clothing or other surfaces. It also helps the product maintain its texture and feel during wear.
Is Acryloyl Morpholine safe for most people?
Acryloyl Morpholine is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, individuals with very sensitive or dry skin may experience mild tightness. No serious safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Acryloyl Morpholine?
Individuals with very dry or dehydrated skin, as the film may feel restrictive or emphasize dryness
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.