Ingredient review
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer
INCI: SODIUM ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
A safe, widely used synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.
In plain English
This is a synthetic ingredient that acts like a thickening sponge. When added to water, it swells up and turns a thin liquid into a smooth, gel-like cream or serum. It helps keep the product stable so the oil and water parts don't separate, and it gives a light, silky feel on your skin—not heavy or sticky.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is relatively strong for its common cosmetic role.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- strong
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer 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 Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer.
- 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
strongThere is a stronger practical or research basis for the ingredient role described here.
What it is
A synthetic polymer made by crosslinking acrylic acid and alkyl acrylate monomers, then neutralizing with sodium hydroxide. It is a white powder that absorbs water to form a gel.
How it works
When mixed with water, the polymer chains uncurl and absorb water, swelling to create a viscous gel network. This network traps water and helps suspend other ingredients, preventing separation and giving the product a smooth, spreadable texture.
Pros
Lightweight texture
Creates a silky, non-greasy feel that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for gel creams and serums.
Excellent stabilizer
Prevents oil and water from separating, so your product stays consistent and effective throughout its shelf life.
Cons and cautions
Can feel tacky
If used at too high a concentration, it may leave a slightly sticky or tacky residue on the skin.
Synthetic origin
It is a lab-made polymer, which may not align with preferences for naturally derived or 'clean' ingredients.
Best for
- Anyone who prefers lightweight, gel-based moisturizers
- People with oily or combination skin
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid all synthetic ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Research notes
Extensively used in cosmetics for decades with a strong safety profile. No significant adverse effects have been reported in human use or safety reviews by expert panels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the U.S. FDA and EU CosIng database, with no known safety restrictions at typical levels.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Sunscreens, Gels, Masks
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable, but it is used in very small amounts and is not known to accumulate in the environment.
Good to know
- It is often used alongside other thickeners to fine-tune texture.
- Commonly found in gel-based sunscreens to help them spread evenly.
Common questions
What is Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This is a synthetic ingredient that acts like a thickening sponge. When added to water, it swells up and turns a thin liquid into a smooth, gel-like cream or serum. It helps keep the product stable so the oil and water parts don't separate, and it gives a light, silky feel on your skin—not heavy or sticky.
What does Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
When mixed with water, the polymer chains uncurl and absorb water, swelling to create a viscous gel network. This network traps water and helps suspend other ingredients, preventing separation and giving the product a smooth, spreadable texture.
Is Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer?
Those who strictly avoid all synthetic ingredients
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.