Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic acrylic polymer used in cosmetics as spherical microbeads or particles to improve texture, provide a smooth, soft-focus finish, and aid in oil absorption and even coverage. In dermal fillers it is used as non-biodegradable microspheres for soft tissue augmentation.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or contact sensitivity | Rare | Uncommon in topical cosmetic use; generally considered inert and well tolerated on intact skin. |
Granuloma formation (with injectable PMMA fillers) | Uncommon | Reported with dermal filler use, not topical cosmetics; can present as delayed nodules. |
Persistent nodules or foreign-body reaction (injectable use) | Rare | Related to permanent microsphere fillers rather than skincare products. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated reports; PMMA is largely non-reactive in topical formulations. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.