Ingredient
Acrylamide
Acrylamide is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is carcinogen concern and known teratogen.
- 2-Propenamide
- Acrylic Amide
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Acrylamide and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Known teratogen
- Fetal development
Acrylamide is a toxic chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen and reproductive toxicant. It is prohibited as an intentional ingredient in cosmetics under EU law and is highly restricted by regulatory agencies worldwide due to its severe health risks. According to ECHA and multiple toxicology studies, acrylamide exposure during pregnancy has been associated with reduced fetal growth, developmental delays, and potential birth defects in animal studies. The compound can cross the placental barrier and reach fetal circulation. The EPA and European authorities have established strict limits on acrylamide exposure due to developmental toxicity concerns. No amount of intentional acrylamide exposure is considered safe during pregnancy. While trace contamination may occur in polyacrylamide-containing products at levels regulated by authorities, products should never contain acrylamide as an intentional ingredient. Pregnant women should avoid any cosmetic product listing acrylamide explicitly on the ingredient list.
Acrylamide and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Acrylamide is a toxic chemical that should be avoided during breastfeeding. Studies have shown that acrylamide can be detected in breast milk when mothers are exposed to the compound, posing potential risks to breastfed infants. The compound's neurotoxic and carcinogenic properties make it especially concerning for infant exposure during critical developmental periods. ECHA classifies acrylamide as a reproductive toxicant, and regulatory agencies worldwide have implemented strict limits on acrylamide presence in consumer products. Acrylamide is prohibited as an intentional cosmetic ingredient in the EU, and products should not list it on ingredient labels. While trace residual acrylamide may be present in polyacrylamide-containing products at regulated levels, breastfeeding mothers should never use products containing acrylamide as a listed ingredient.
Acrylamide and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen and is prohibited in cosmetics under EU regulations. The compound poses serious health risks regardless of reproductive status, including increased cancer risk, neurotoxicity, and potential reproductive harm. There is no safe level of exposure to acrylamide as an intentional cosmetic ingredient. While women not breastfeeding face fewer immediate infant safety concerns, the long-term health risks of acrylamide exposure remain significant. Products listing acrylamide as an ingredient should be avoided by all consumers.
Acrylamide and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Carcinogen concern
- Hormone disruptor
Acrylamide should be strictly avoided by women trying to conceive. The compound is classified as a reproductive toxicant by ECHA, and studies have shown that acrylamide exposure can affect fertility and reproductive outcomes in animal models. Research indicates acrylamide may affect ovarian function, egg quality, and early embryonic development. Given its known reproductive toxicity and the critical importance of the periconception period, avoiding acrylamide exposure is essential when trying to conceive. Acrylamide is prohibited as an intentional ingredient in EU cosmetics and should never be used.
Acrylamide and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Endocrine disruptor
- Interferes with hormones
Acrylamide is a toxic compound that should be avoided by everyone, including women with PCOS. Research indicates acrylamide has endocrine-disrupting properties that could potentially interfere with hormonal balance. Women with PCOS already experience hormonal dysregulation, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may exacerbate symptoms or interfere with PCOS management. Additionally, the carcinogenic and reproductive toxicity concerns associated with acrylamide make it particularly important to avoid. Acrylamide is prohibited as an intentional cosmetic ingredient in the EU and should never appear on product ingredient lists. Women with PCOS should avoid any product explicitly listing acrylamide and choose alternatives with safe, well-established ingredients.
Acrylamide and general use
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Endocrine disruptor
Acrylamide is a toxic industrial chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC and as a substance of very high concern by ECHA. It poses serious health risks including cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive harm. Acrylamide is prohibited as an intentional ingredient in cosmetic products under EU Cosmetics Regulation. While polyacrylamide (a polymer formed from acrylamide) is permitted and commonly used in cosmetics, it must meet strict purity standards with minimal residual acrylamide monomer. The EU limits residual acrylamide to extremely low levels (0.0001% in leave-on products). Consumers should never use products that list acrylamide as an ingredient. If acrylamide appears on a product label, it indicates either a mislabeled product or an illegal formulation. Choose products from reputable manufacturers who follow cosmetic safety regulations and quality control standards to minimize exposure to toxic contaminants.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Acrylamide, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
Download on theApp Store