Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer

What is Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer?

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer is a lab-made polymer blending acrylic acid derivatives with dimethicone, a silicone compound. It appears in color cosmetics such as foundations, eyeliners, and lip products, plus sunscreens and hair sprays. Its chemical structure includes acrylic chains linked to silicone segments, enabling it to dry into a sheer, elastic sheath on skin or hair. This sheath boosts product cling without rigidity, repels moisture and oils for durability, and delivers a velvety glide during use. In powders, it curbs sticking for even dispersion. The silicone part adds lubrication and softness, while acrylates ensure strong adhesion and cohesion, stabilizing formulas against breakup or separation. Overall, it refines texture, extends performance, and enhances sensory qualities in water-based or anhydrous blends.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Anticaking agent
Prevents powders from clumping by reducing moisture pickup and improving flow, keeping loose and pressed powders uniform during storage and use.
Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Creates lasting films that resist water and transfer in makeup and sunscreens.

Prevents powder clumping for smooth, uniform application and storage.

Delivers silky conditioning and binding for better product integrity and feel.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users seeking long-wear makeup that stays smooth through the day.
Those with rare sensitivity to acrylate polymers.
People using pressed powders or sticks for improved stability and flow.
People preferring fully silicone-free formulations.
Individuals wanting soft, flexible skin feel from conditioning films.
Individuals experiencing reactions to film-forming agents.

Safety Notes

  • Shows low hazard potential in cosmetic assessments.
  • Displays minimal irritation in standard use concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer

What does it do in cosmetics?

Forms flexible films for water resistance, binds powders, and conditions skin for smooth wear.

Is it safe for daily use?

Rated low hazard and suitable in typical cosmetic amounts with minimal irritation risk.

Does it work in powders?

Acts as anticaking and binding agent to keep powders free-flowing and intact.