Skincare Ingredient
Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
In Skincare: Is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Sodium acrylates copolymer is a synthetic polymer utilized in various cosmetic formulations.
- 02
This ingredient helps to stabilize, suspend, and bind other key components within a cosmetic product.
- 03
Formulations containing higher concentrations of sodium acrylates copolymer exhibit film-forming and binding properties.
- 04
Highly purified forms of sodium acrylates copolymer are considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Role of Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
BINDING
Ingredient BinderHolds ingredients together in solid products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Binding agents provide cohesion and structural integrity in compressed or formed solid products. These include hydrophilic binders (gums, cellulose derivatives, PVP) that swell and create adhesive films, lipophilic binders (waxes, oils) that melt and solidify to cement particles, or polymeric binders. The mechanism involves particle-particle adhesion through van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, or mechanical interlocking.
FILM FORMING
Protective Coating AgentCreates a continuous thin layer on surfaces
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Film-forming polymers create continuous, cohesive coatings after solvent evaporation or chemical crosslinking. These include natural polymers (shellac, chitosan), synthetic polymers (acrylates copolymers, PVP/VA copolymer, polyurethanes), and modified natural polymers. Film formation involves spreading, solvent evaporation, polymer chain interpenetration, and coalescence. Film properties depend on glass transition temperature, molecular weight, and plasticizer content.
OPACIFYING
Cloudiness CreatorReduces transparency and adds cloudiness to products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Opacifying ingredients make formulations less clear through light scattering. These include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, fatty alcohols, glycol stearates, and styrene/acrylates copolymer. The mechanism involves particles or crystalline structures that scatter light, reducing transmission and creating pearl-like or milky appearance. Particle size and refractive index determine degree of opacity. Used for aesthetic appeal and to mask colored ingredients.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
One-step login · Made for your skin
Want analysis that actually fits your skin?
Sign in once — we'll remember your skin type and make every analysis more relevant for you. for free!
Joined by people who care about their skin
References
Scientific sources
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, March 2019, pages E50–E57
International Journal of Toxicology, October 2017, pages 59S–88S; and November 2002, Supplement 3, pages 1-50
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer — common questions
What is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer in skincare?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is the sodium salt of a polymer consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters
What does Sodium Acrylates Copolymer do? / Functions of Sodium Acrylates Copolymer?
Common functions: BINDING, FILM FORMING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Acrylates Copolymer? / Is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer comedogenic?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer safe for skin?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally safe for use in cosmetics, but may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to acrylate derivatives.
Is Sodium Acrylates Copolymer good for sensitive skin?
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Sodium Acrylates Copolymer in skincare?
Known considerations: Generally safe for use in cosmetics, but may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to acrylate derivatives.