Ingredient
Dimethylacrylamide
Dimethylacrylamide is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, general use and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is known teratogen and absorbed into the body.
- N,N-Dimethylacrylamide
- DMAA
- Dimethyl Acrylamide
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
Dimethylacrylamide and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Absorbed into the body
- Neural development
Dimethylacrylamide is an acrylamide monomer used in polymer synthesis for cosmetic applications. Acrylamide compounds are of significant toxicological concern, with documented neurotoxic and potentially carcinogenic properties. Studies on acrylamide exposure have shown reproductive toxicity in animal models, including effects on fetal development and neural tube formation. According to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), acrylamide is classified as a reproductive toxicant (category 2) and a mutagen. The compound can be absorbed through the skin and has the potential to cross the placental barrier. Even residual amounts of unreacted monomer in cosmetic products could pose risks during pregnancy. The SCCS and EU Cosmetics Regulation strictly limit acrylamide residues to 0.1 mg/kg in finished products due to these concerns. ACOG recommends avoiding exposure to known reproductive toxicants during pregnancy. Most dermatologists advise pregnant women to avoid products containing acrylamide monomers entirely, even if the finished product meets regulatory limits for residual monomers.
Dimethylacrylamide and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Dimethylacrylamide is an acrylamide monomer with known toxicological properties including neurotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity. While most cosmetic products contain polymerized forms with minimal residual monomers, the risk to breastfed infants makes this ingredient problematic. Acrylamide compounds can be absorbed systemically through the skin and have been detected in human milk in exposure studies. The developing nervous system of infants is particularly vulnerable to neurotoxic compounds. ECHA classifies acrylamide as a substance of very high concern (SVHC), and exposure should be minimized for vulnerable populations. The AAD and lactation consultants recommend avoiding acrylamide-containing products during breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of milk transfer and infant neurotoxicity. Even though polymerized forms are considered safer, the presence of any residual monomers creates an unacceptable risk profile for breastfeeding mothers.
Dimethylacrylamide and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, Dimethylacrylamide remains a high-risk ingredient due to its irritating properties and potential for systemic absorption. Acrylamide compounds are known sensitizers that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Postpartum skin is often more sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations, making reactions to irritating ingredients more likely. While infant exposure is not a concern in this group, the ingredient's overall toxicity profile and ECHA's classification as a substance of concern justify cautious avoidance. Safer alternatives exist for achieving similar cosmetic effects without the associated health risks.
Dimethylacrylamide and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should avoid Dimethylacrylamide due to documented reproductive toxicity in animal studies. ECHA classifies acrylamide as a Category 2 reproductive toxicant, meaning it is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Fertility specialists recommend eliminating exposure to known reproductive toxicants during the preconception period. Since conception timing can be unpredictable, avoiding acrylamide compounds entirely during the TTC phase protects early fetal development. The compound's potential for systemic absorption and tissue accumulation makes preemptive avoidance the safest approach.
Dimethylacrylamide and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Dimethylacrylamide does not have direct endocrine-disrupting properties relevant to PCOS, but women with PCOS often have sensitive, acne-prone skin that may react poorly to irritating ingredients. The compound's potential for skin sensitization and irritation makes it less than ideal for PCOS skin, which already deals with inflammation and barrier dysfunction. While not specifically contraindicated for PCOS, the ingredient offers no benefits and poses unnecessary irritation risks. Given the availability of gentler film-forming agents and viscosity modifiers, dermatologists treating PCOS typically recommend avoiding potentially irritating compounds like acrylamide monomers in favor of more skin-friendly alternatives.
Dimethylacrylamide and general use
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Carcinogen concern
Dimethylacrylamide is an acrylamide monomer used in cosmetic polymer synthesis. Acrylamide compounds have well-documented toxicity, including neurotoxicity, skin sensitization, and potential carcinogenicity. According to the SCCS and ECHA, acrylamide is classified as a Category 2 mutagen and reproductive toxicant. While cosmetic products typically contain polymerized forms with minimal residual monomers, the EU strictly limits acrylamide residues to 0.1 mg/kg. The compound can cause allergic contact dermatitis, irritation, and has raised long-term health concerns. For the general public, dermatologists recommend avoiding products that list acrylamide monomers as ingredients, opting instead for products with safer polymer alternatives. While the risk from properly formulated products meeting regulatory standards may be low, the compound's overall toxicity profile and classification as a substance of very high concern by ECHA justify choosing alternative products when possible.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Dimethylacrylamide, 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 .
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