Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Anionic copolymer based on acrylic acid. A water-phase thickener and emulsion stabiliser with high water-holding capacity. Used in gel-creams, serums, and cleansing gels. Differs in structure and function from the simpler Acrylates Copolymer.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
About this ingredient
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (Sodium Polyacrylate) is an anionic synthetic polymer based on acrylic acid. One of the most popular 'superabsorbents' – capable of absorbing water 200-300× its own mass (the same polymer class used in diapers and hygiene products). In cosmetics – a water-phase thickener and emulsion stabilizer with high water-holding capacity. Difference from Acrylates Copolymer. Names sound similar but these are different molecules. Acrylates Copolymer – non-ionic film-former (in hair products and water-resistant sunscreens). Sodium Acrylates Copolymer – ionic, for water-phase thickening and moisture retention. Not interchangeable. Where applied. Gel-creams, serums, cleansing gels, hydrating masks, stretch-mark products (0.2-3%). In Spain in Sesderma, Bioderma, Mussvital, in formulas marketed with '72-hour hydration'. Particularly common in products with a high water-phase share. Safety. CIR confirmed sodium acrylates copolymer safety (Final Report 2002, 2018 review). Large molecules, do not penetrate intact epidermis. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. Acrylamide controversy. Some older Sodium Acrylates Copolymers were produced with acrylamide as a stabilizer – acrylamide is IARC class 2A (probable human carcinogen). Modern formulas use acrylamide-free copolymers (made by alternative technologies). Acrylamide should not appear as an ingredient on the label. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. A polymeric ingredient, no systemic absorption. No restrictions in any product.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer for?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer suits: normal, dry, combination, oily.
What is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer and what does it do in cosmetics?
Anionic copolymer based on acrylic acid.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Acrylates Copolymer?
The INCI name is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer. It may also appear as: Sodium Acrylates/Acrylamide Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate.
See Sodium Acrylates Copolymer in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Benzoate, Undecyl Dimethyl Oxazoline, CI 14700 (Red 4), Hydroxyapatite, PEG-75 Stearate
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