Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor — INCI reference

What it is

Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is a water-soluble acrylic polymer incorporating a benzylidene camphor chromophore. It absorbs UV-B radiation with a peak absorption (λmax) around 297 nm and a molar absorptivity (ε) of approximately 19,700, making it effective at blocking the 280–320 nm UV-B range. The polymer backbone confers good photostability and a film-forming character, allowing it to create an invisible protective layer on the skin's surface. It also protects cosmetic formulations themselves from photodegradation. As a polymeric filter, it has low dermal penetration potential compared to small-molecule UV filters. It is commonly found in sunscreens and UV-protective skincare products and is often combined with complementary UV filters to achieve broad-spectrum coverage.

Spectrum coverage

UVB

UVA-I 340–400nm UVA-II 320–340nm UVB 290–320nm

Regional approval · max %

JP — — KR — — EU ✓ 6% US — —

Safety & warnings

The polymeric structure of this UV filter is associated with low dermal absorption, which is generally considered favorable from a safety standpoint. A systematic review (2014–2024) of UV filter endocrine and reproductive effects found no specific studies examining endocrine effects for this ingredient, and it was not flagged as a concern in that literature. It is classified as non-phototoxic. EWG's cleaning product database lists it at the lowest hazard category (score 1), though data availability is limited. Related compound 3-benzylidene camphor was banned in the EU for endocrine disruption; Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is structurally distinct due to its polymer backbone.

Reef-toxic

No

Endocrine disruptor

No

Comedogenicity

0

Origin & sourcing

Fully synthetic in origin. The molecule is produced by polymerizing N-substituted acrylamide monomers that carry a benzylidene camphor chromophore. Camphor is naturally derived from the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), but the final polymer is manufactured entirely via chemical synthesis and does not retain botanical character.

History

Developed and patented by Chimex, a subsidiary of L'Oréal, as part of the Mexoryl family of UV filters. The ingredient was reviewed and included in Annex VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No. 1223/2009) as an approved UV filter at a maximum concentration of 6%. It has not received FDA approval for use in US sunscreen OTC drug products, though it has been found in some products on the US market. Related benzylidene camphor derivatives such as 3-benzylidene camphor have faced restrictions in the EU due to endocrine-disrupting concerns, but Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor itself remains approved.

Questions everyone asks

What does Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor do in sunscreen?

It is a UV-B filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation in the 280–320 nm range, with peak absorption near 297 nm. This helps reduce UV-induced skin damage. It also protects the cosmetic formulation itself from photodegradation.

Is this ingredient the same as the banned 3-benzylidene camphor?

No. While both contain a benzylidene camphor chromophore, Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is a high-molecular-weight polymer, whereas 3-benzylidene camphor is a small molecule. The polymer backbone limits skin penetration and makes it structurally and toxicologically distinct.

Is Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor approved for use in the United States?

No. It is approved in the European Union at up to 6% in cosmetic products, but it has not received FDA approval as an active sunscreen ingredient in OTC drug products in the US.

What is Mexoryl SW?

Mexoryl SW is the trade name for Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor, developed by Chimex (a L'Oréal subsidiary). It is part of the Mexoryl family of proprietary UV filters and is used in European sunscreen formulations.