Polymethyl Methacrylate

Polymethyl Methacrylate molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Polymethyl Methacrylate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polymethyl Methacrylate not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0–6 months) this ingredient is best avoided when possible. It’s a plastic-like film former with limited safety testing on newborn skin and some reports of irritation, allergic reactions, and possible contamination by harmful chemicals.

What to Do

Prefer products made for babies that do not list this ingredient. If a product with this ingredient must be used, first check the brand’s safety testing and impurity controls, ask your pediatrician, and avoid applying it to large areas or broken skin. Use the smallest amount necessary and keep it away from the face, mouth, and nose.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, rash, swelling, fussiness, wheezing, coughing, or breathing changes after use — these can be signs of irritation or an allergic reaction. The caution comes from government and industry reviews that note possible contamination by methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, or benzene and reports of respiratory or immune system effects (sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Environment Canada, Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, U.S. National Library of Medicine). If you see any of these signs, stop use and contact your pediatrician or seek urgent care if breathing problems occur.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: This ingredient has evidence of causing immune or allergy problems. The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) reports strong evidence it can be an immune and respiratory toxicant or allergen, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes limited evidence of immune-system effects. That means it can trigger allergic reactions or immune changes in children who touch or breathe it.
Asthma: There is strong evidence it can harm the lungs or act as a respiratory allergen. The AOEC lists it as a human respiratory toxicant/allergen, so it may make wheezing or asthma worse in sensitive children.
Organ Risk: A government review (Environment Canada) classifies this substance as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and assigns it a medium human health priority. Repeated or heavy exposure could hurt organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Cancer: While the international cancer agency notes the ingredient itself is not likely to cause cancer, the ingredient is flagged for high contamination risk with chemicals such as benzene. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, so contamination raises real cancer concerns if present.
Long-Term Risk: There are data gaps and regulatory limits noted by industry safety reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and government reviewers. Combined with contamination concerns and organ-toxicity classifications, this suggests possible long-term health risks from repeated exposure over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polymethyl Methacrylate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polymethyl methacrylatePOLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE2-PROPENOIC ACID, 2-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER, HOMOPOLYMERHOMOPOLYMER 2-PROPENOIC ACID, 2-METHYL-, METHYL ESTERMETHYL ESTER HOMOPOLYMER 2-PROPENOIC ACID, 2-METHYL-

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Research Articles on Polymethyl Methacrylate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Polymethyl Methacrylate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Polymethyl Methacrylate

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Polymethyl Methacrylate?

Polymethyl Methacrylate is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the cancer risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for newborns?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Polymethyl Methacrylate?

Polymethyl Methacrylate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Polymethyl Methacrylate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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