Polyacrylate
What is Polyacrylate?
Polyacrylate refers to a family of synthetic polymers derived from acrylic acid or its esters, commonly used in skincare as film-formers, thickeners, and emulsion stabilizers. These versatile ingredients create a flexible film on the skin to lock in moisture, enhance product texture, and improve the delivery of active ingredients. They are widely employed in sunscreens, moisturizers, and hair styling products for their binding and suspending properties.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
Suspending agent
Keeps insoluble particles (pigments, beads, actives) evenly dispersed by increasing viscosity or forming a network, preventing settling and separation.
Bulking agent
Increases mass/volume to build structure and improve handling, commonly used to adjust feel, spread, and cost-in-use without acting as a primary active.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
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.