Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

What is Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer?

Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a synthetic polymer produced by combining ethylene and acrylic acid through polymerization. It appears as a white powder or dispersion, commonly incorporated into makeup, sunscreens, hair styling aids, and solid personal care formats like sticks or compacts. In formulations, it acts by adhering particles together for structural integrity, depositing a sheer, flexible layer on skin or hair to enhance adherence and resist moisture or rubbing, and modifying flow properties to prevent separation while maintaining a smooth sensory feel. This versatile material supports diverse product types by improving physical stability without altering appearance dramatically.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

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.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Opacifying agent
Makes a formula less transparent to create a creamy, opaque look; can also help visually mask suspended particles and improve aesthetic uniformity.

Benefits

Enhances product cohesion for durable, easy-to-apply formats like powders and sticks.

Provides a protective film that boosts water resistance and longevity in sunscreens and makeup.

Optimizes texture and stability in emulsions for even application and consistent performance.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking long-wearing makeup or styling products.
People with rare sensitivities to acrylic-based polymers.
Users of water-resistant sunscreens or lotions.
Individuals preferring entirely natural or polymer-free products.
Those preferring stable, non-dripping formulations in daily routines.
Those experiencing irritation from film-forming agents in prior use.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations with minimal absorption.
  • Non-comedogenic and unlikely to clog pores based on ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

Is Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer safe for skin?

Yes, it ranks low hazard and shows minimal irritation in cosmetic applications.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it suitable for most skin types.

What products contain it?

Common in makeup, sunscreens, hair sprays, and solid sticks for stability.