Common Name(s): Polyamide-3,nylon/polyamide powder,soft-focus optical texture active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Creates soft-focus skin appearance by diffusely scattering reflected light, delivers silky gliding application feel, and absorbs excess sebum maintaining matte pore-refined finish.

Why It's Used: Nylon microspheres are the benchmark soft-focus powder — spherical geometry uniquely provides the light-scattering profile that blurs skin texture without chalky mattifying from flat-particle mineral powders.

How It Works: Spherical nylon particles (5-20 um, narrow size distribution) act as micro light diffusers. at particle diameter approximately matching visible wavelength (5-15 um), mie scattering maximises diffuse-to-specular ratio — forward scattering haze conceals pores and lines while the nylon amide surface provides non-dry skin feel from moisture affinity.

Typically Found In: Face powders,foundation,colour cosmetics,primers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Nylon particle diameter is the primary design parameter: under 5 um provides high transparency minimal blurring; 5-10 um provides maximum soft-focus; above 15 um glide sensation dominates. most colour cosmetics target 5-12 um for optimal blur-transparency balance.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,polyamide-3 nylon powder soft-focus review