Ingredient review
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4
INCI: POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-4
A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that gives gels and creams a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.
In plain English
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 is a man-made ingredient that helps skincare products feel smooth and silky. It acts like a sponge that soaks up water and swells, turning a thin liquid into a nice gel or cream. This makes it easier to spread the product on your skin and helps other ingredients stay mixed together. It also leaves a very light, invisible film on your skin that can make makeup or sunscreen last longer.
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 Crosspolymer-4 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 Crosspolymer-4.
- 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
A synthetic crosslinked polymer made from acrylic acid monomers. It is produced in a lab and designed to absorb water and swell, creating a gel-like texture.
How it works
When added to water, the polymer chains uncurl and absorb water, forming a three-dimensional network that thickens the formula. This network also helps keep oil and water phases from separating, and upon drying, it leaves a thin, flexible film on the skin.
Pros
Silky, lightweight feel
Creates a smooth, non-greasy texture that spreads easily and dries down without a heavy residue, ideal for gel moisturizers and primers.
Excellent stabilizer
Helps keep water and oil mixed together in creams and lotions, preventing separation and extending the product's shelf life.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Made from petroleum-derived acrylic acid, which may be a concern for those seeking fully natural or biodegradable formulations.
Potential tackiness at high levels
If used in very high concentrations, it can leave a slightly sticky or tacky feel on the skin, though this is uncommon in well-formulated products.
Best for
- Anyone who enjoys lightweight gel or cream textures
- People with oily or combination skin looking for a matte finish
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid all synthetic ingredients
- Individuals with known sensitivity to acrylate polymers (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel for related polyacrylate crosspolymers have concluded they are safe when formulated appropriately. No significant human or environmental toxicity has been reported at cosmetic use levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated similar polyacrylate crosspolymers and found them safe as used.
- Common uses
- Gels, Serums, Creams, Lotions, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable. However, it is used in very small amounts and is not known to bioaccumulate.
Good to know
- Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 is often used in 'gel cream' formulas to achieve a bouncy, refreshing texture.
- It is considered safe by major regulatory bodies when used within typical concentrations.
Common questions
What is Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 in beauty products?
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 is a man-made ingredient that helps skincare products feel smooth and silky. It acts like a sponge that soaks up water and swells, turning a thin liquid into a nice gel or cream. This makes it easier to spread the product on your skin and helps other ingredients stay mixed together. It also leaves a very light, invisible film on your skin that can make makeup or sunscreen last longer.
What does Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 do in a beauty product?
When added to water, the polymer chains uncurl and absorb water, forming a three-dimensional network that thickens the formula. This network also helps keep oil and water phases from separating, and upon drying, it leaves a thin, flexible film on the skin.
Is Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 safe for most people?
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4?
Those who strictly avoid all synthetic ingredients Individuals with known sensitivity to acrylate polymers (rare)
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.