Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic film-former and rheology modifier. It helps thicken formulas, stabilize emulsions, and improve water resistance, rub resistance, and wear in sunscreens, gels, and color cosmetics.
What does Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic film-former and rheology modifier. It helps thicken formulas, stabilize emulsions, and improve water resistance, rub resistance, and wear in sunscreens, gels, and color cosmetics.
Is Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is mainly questioned because it is a persistent synthetic polymer, not because it is usually a skin-irritation concern. Its large molecular size means low skin penetration and generally good topical tolerance.
Is Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer sustainable?
This material is made from petrochemical feedstocks and is not readily biodegradable. Its environmental concern is persistence after rinse-off or disposal, especially where synthetic polymer particles are restricted.
Is Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer COSMOS-approved?
It is generally not permitted under COSMOS natural or organic standards because it is a synthetic petrochemical polymer with limited biodegradability. It has weak Green Chemistry alignment compared with renewable, readily biodegradable thickeners or film-formers.
How does Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer work chemically?
The molecule is a high molecular weight copolymer with a polar backbone and long hydrophobic side chains that can build viscosity and create flexible, water-resistant films. It is typically used at low levels in emulsions and gels, with performance depending on neutralization, electrolyte load, and the oil phase.
Last updated 2026-05-14