Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Hydrogel polymer – cross-linked polyacrylic acid that holds glycerin. Forms clear, lightweight gels with a strong humectant effect. Common near the top of INCI lists in aqua-gels and masks. Low allergenicity and pregnancy-safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Functional hydrogel – thickener and glycerin carrier. Hydrates through immobilized glycerin without standalone biological activity. CIR confirmed the safety of acrylate polymers.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review – Polyacrylate polymers safety, Int J Toxicol 2017.
- Cognis Hispagel-200 technical data sheet, 2008.
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Glyceryl Polyacrylate (Hispagel-200, Cognis) is a cross-linked acrylic polymer matrix that immobilizes glycerin. Functionally it is a hydrogel that simultaneously thickens the water phase and adds about 30% glycerin to the formula. INCI: Glyceryl Polyacrylate. In cosmetics it is used in clear aqua-gels, sleeping packs, lightweight serums, and tone-up fluids. It gives a bright gel texture that turns to water instantly on the skin without tackiness – a favorite ingredient in K-beauty and J-beauty formulations. Use levels are 1-30%. Compatible with most water-soluble actives; does not work with high electrolyte content or strongly acidic pH. Humectant action. Thanks to the glycerin held in the matrix, the polymer is an effective humectant. However, that glycerin is already included – there is no need to add separate glycerin at high Hispagel doses. It hydrates the stratum corneum strongly, especially under normal indoor humidity. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. The polymer is too large to cross the stratum corneum. CIR confirmed the safety of acrylate polymers. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. In very dry climates (winter heating, low humidity) applying a large gel dose without an occlusive top layer can pull water from deeper layers – the result is paradoxical dryness. This is a feature of all humectants, not a unique downside of Glyceryl Polyacrylate. No standalone active effects beyond hydration.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glyceryl Polyacrylate safe during pregnancy?
Glyceryl Polyacrylate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Glyceryl Polyacrylate for?
Glyceryl Polyacrylate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Glyceryl Polyacrylate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Hydrogel polymer – cross-linked polyacrylic acid that holds glycerin.
Is Glyceryl Polyacrylate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Glyceryl Polyacrylate?
The INCI name is Glyceryl Polyacrylate. It may also appear as: Hispagel.
See Glyceryl Polyacrylate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glyceryl Stearates, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Glycine, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polybutene, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol
Published: · updated: