Polyamide compositions useful for personal care are disclosed, including film-forming concentrates and emulsions. Ethanol-based concentrates comprise a hydrophobic polyamide, which comprises a reaction product of either (a) a dimerized fatty acid, at least one C2-C4 carboxylic acid, and a polyamine component comprising ethylenediamine and 1 to 30 eq. % of one or more di- or triamines or (b) a dimerized fatty acid, at least 50 wt. % of a C16-C22 unsaturated carboxylic acid, and at least one C2-C6 diamine. Personal care applications for the concentrates, including continuous sunscreens, fragrant body sprays or splashes, anti-acne medications, are included. Water-in-oil emulsions comprising the hydrophobic polyamides are storage-stable and provide water-resistant SPF for products such as sunscreens and body lotions.
