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POLYAMIDE-3

Last update on Apr 10, 2026

Polyamides are polymers with repeating units linked together via amide bonds. Polyamide-3 works as a rheology modifier in formulations having low to high polarity organic liquids. It helps to form and stabilize emulsions and also adds water-resistance to sunscreens. It is available as clear, yellowish, pellets.

CAS Number: 1093268-29-1, 24937-14-2Chem/IUPAC Name: Poly(imino-1-oxotrimethylene), Poly[imino(1-oxo-1,3-propanediyl)]EINECS/ELINCS No: COSING REF No: 85192

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What is POLYAMIDE-3 used for?

Polyamide-3 provides numerous benefits like the uniform delivery of actives, pigments and solids and reduces the need for emulsifiers. It helps to form shear thinning emulsions, that provide a positive sensory feel while improving skin hydration. It can stabilize emulsions over a broad pH range and accommodate high oil and fat loadings including silicones. It is used at a concentration of 1-10% and is used in creams, lotions, sticks, sunscreens, color cosmetics, and sprays.

  • Skin care: It can be used to thicken oils (without adding opacity like waxes and fatty thickeners), and because it’s also a great film-former it improves the wear time of formulations. It forms gelled oil-in-water and water-in-gelled-oil emulsions that are pH insensitive (gels can be water soluble or insoluble). It also acts as an emulsion stabilizer and reduces the need for adding multiple emulsifiers in formulas
  • Sun care: It adds water-resistance to sunscreens and stabilizes inorganic UV filter. It is compatible with common emollients used in sun care emulsions and provides excellent skin feel

Origin

Polyamide-3 is produced synthetically by the condensation polymerization of diamino compounds (reacted with fatty acids) with dicarboxylic acids. It is a polymer formed by the condensation of dilinoleic acid, ethylenediamine, polypropylene glycol diamine, end-capped with peg/ppg-32/10 aminopropyl methyl ether.

What does POLYAMIDE-3 do in a formulation?

FILM FORMING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Safety Profile

Polyamide-3 is considered safe for use in cosmetics with low concerns on various allergies and toxicities. Its large molecular weight limits skin penetration, resulting in minimal irritation and sensitization potential. It is well-tolerated across skin types, including sensitive skin, and is non-comedogenic.

POLYAMIDE-3 alternatives

POLYAMIDE-3 technical profile

PropertyValues
Melting Point100°C
SolubilitySoluble in oil