Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer

What is Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer?

Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer is a synthetic polymer formed by combining ethylene and sodium acrylate monomers through polymerization. In cosmetic formulations, particularly skincare, makeup, and sunscreens, it functions by binding solid particles together for structural integrity, forming a flexible film on the skin to enhance product adherence and water resistance, and controlling viscosity to achieve optimal thickness for easy application and suspension of other ingredients. It stabilizes emulsions by reinforcing the interface between oil and water phases, preventing separation, and acts as an opacifier to give products a smooth, non-transparent finish that masks imperfections and improves visual appeal. This versatile ingredient supports diverse product types like creams, lotions, and foundations without deep skin penetration.

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:

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 and durability for longer wear.

Provides a smooth, opaque appearance to formulations.

Stabilizes emulsions and adjusts texture for better usability.

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 wanting stable, long-lasting makeup products.
Those with rare sensitivities to synthetic polymers.
Individuals with all skin types seeking non-comedogenic thickeners.
Individuals avoiding all acrylate-based ingredients.
People preferring creamy, uniform-textured skincare items.
People preferring completely natural formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low hazard with minimal irritation potential.
  • Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer

Is Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

What roles does it play in cosmetics?

It binds ingredients, forms films, controls viscosity, stabilizes emulsions, and opacifies products.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Rated low hazard with evidence of minimal irritation from authoritative safety assessments.