Ingredient review

Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer

INCI: SODIUM ACRYLATES/BEHENETH-25 METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

beautyskincaretexturizer

In plain English

This ingredient is a synthetic polymer that helps give skincare products a smooth, creamy texture. It works by absorbing water and swelling into a gel-like network, which thickens the formula and keeps the oil and water parts from separating. It sits on the surface of your skin and does not penetrate, so it is generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid derivatives and behenyl (a fatty chain) methacrylate, crosslinked to form a water-absorbing network.

How it works

When added to water, the polymer particles swell and entangle, creating a viscous gel that thickens the formula. It also helps stabilize emulsions by forming a physical barrier around oil droplets, preventing them from merging and separating.

Pros

Non-irritating

This polymer is too large to penetrate the skin, so it stays on the surface and rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.

Non-comedogenic

It does not clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin when used in appropriate concentrations.

Cons and cautions

Synthetic origin

It is a man-made polymer, which may be a turn-off for consumers seeking naturally derived or 'clean' formulations.

Potential tackiness

If used at high levels, it can leave a slightly sticky or tacky feel on the skin, especially in humid conditions.

Best for

  • Anyone who prefers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers
  • People with oily or combination skin

Use caution if

  • Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients

Usage tips

Apply to damp skin for better spreadability
Layer with lighter serums before heavier creams to avoid pilling

Safety summary

Considered safe for cosmetic use by major regulatory bodies. It does not penetrate the skin and has a very low irritation and allergy potential.

Research notes

Limited independent studies exist, but the ingredient's safety profile is well-established through industry and regulatory review. It is structurally similar to other safe acrylate crosspolymers.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.1% to 2%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide; no known restrictions at typical use levels.
Common uses
Moisturizers, Serums, Sunscreens, Cleansers
Environmental note
As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable, but it is used in very small amounts and is not known to bioaccumulate.

Good to know

  • Often used in combination with other thickeners to fine-tune texture
  • Commonly found in gel-cream formulations

Common questions

What is Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer in beauty products?

This ingredient is a synthetic polymer that helps give skincare products a smooth, creamy texture. It works by absorbing water and swelling into a gel-like network, which thickens the formula and keeps the oil and water parts from separating. It sits on the surface of your skin and does not penetrate, so it is generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.

What does Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?

When added to water, the polymer particles swell and entangle, creating a viscous gel that thickens the formula. It also helps stabilize emulsions by forming a physical barrier around oil droplets, preventing them from merging and separating.

Is Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer safe for most people?

Considered safe for cosmetic use by major regulatory bodies. It does not penetrate the skin and has a very low irritation and allergy potential.

Who should be careful with Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer?

Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Acrylate CrosspolymersOpenPubChem - Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate CrosspolymerOpen

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.