Ingredient review
Polyacrylate-47
INCI: Polyacrylate-47
Polyacrylate-47 is a safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but it offers no direct skin benefit.
In plain English
Polyacrylate-47 is a man-made ingredient that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. This film helps other ingredients stay in place, makes the product feel silky, and can improve water resistance. It doesn't actively treat or nourish your skin—it's more of a helper ingredient that improves how a product feels and performs.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Polyacrylate-47 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Polyacrylate-47.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Polyacrylate-47 is a synthetic polymer, meaning it's a large molecule made by linking smaller chemical units together. It belongs to the acrylate family and is designed to create a smooth, even film on surfaces.
How it works
When applied, Polyacrylate-47 dries to form a flexible, invisible film. This film helps lock in other ingredients, reduces water loss from the product (not from your skin), and gives a smooth, non-greasy feel. In sunscreens, it helps the SPF ingredients spread evenly and stay effective longer.
Pros
Improves product feel
Polyacrylate-47 gives a silky, non-greasy texture that makes creams and sunscreens more pleasant to apply.
Boosts water resistance
In sunscreens and long-wear makeup, it helps the product stay effective even when you sweat or get wet.
Cons and cautions
No active skin benefit
This ingredient doesn't hydrate, repair, or treat your skin—it's purely a texture and stability enhancer.
May feel drying for some
If used in high amounts, the film it forms can feel tight or slightly drying, especially on already dry skin.
Best for
- Anyone who wants a smooth, long-lasting makeup or sunscreen finish
- People with normal to oily skin who prefer a matte feel
Use caution if
- Those with extremely dry or compromised skin barriers who may find film-formers uncomfortable
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyacrylate-47 is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in standard use concentrations.
Research notes
Research on Polyacrylate-47 specifically is limited, but the broader family of acrylate copolymers has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and found safe. Studies focus on its film-forming and viscosity properties rather than biological effects.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated similar acrylate polymers and found them safe at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Makeup primers, Hair styling products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, Polyacrylate-47 is not biodegradable. However, it is used in small amounts and is not known to accumulate in the environment significantly.
Good to know
- Polyacrylate-47 is often used alongside other film-formers to create a flexible, breathable film.
- It is considered safe by major regulatory bodies when used as intended.
Common questions
What is Polyacrylate-47 in beauty products?
Polyacrylate-47 is a man-made ingredient that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. This film helps other ingredients stay in place, makes the product feel silky, and can improve water resistance. It doesn't actively treat or nourish your skin—it's more of a helper ingredient that improves how a product feels and performs.
What does Polyacrylate-47 do in a beauty product?
When applied, Polyacrylate-47 dries to form a flexible, invisible film. This film helps lock in other ingredients, reduces water loss from the product (not from your skin), and gives a smooth, non-greasy feel. In sunscreens, it helps the SPF ingredients spread evenly and stay effective longer.
Is Polyacrylate-47 safe for most people?
Polyacrylate-47 is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in standard use concentrations.
Who should be careful with Polyacrylate-47?
Those with extremely dry or compromised skin barriers who may find film-formers uncomfortable
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.