Question 1

What does AMMONIUM STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a synthetic film-former and binder used to create water-resistant, flexible films in makeup, sunscreen, hair styling, and long-wear products. It can also help suspend pigments and improve rub resistance.

Question 2

Is AMMONIUM STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER clean?

Accepted Answer

Clean-beauty standards often flag it as a synthetic polymer, with attention to residual monomers and long-term environmental persistence rather than routine skin irritation. It is generally low-sensitizing in finished formulas when impurities are controlled.

Question 3

Is AMMONIUM STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is typically petroleum-derived and not readily biodegradable. Its main sustainability issue is persistence after rinse-off use, especially when present as small polymer particles in water-based dispersions.

Question 4

Is AMMONIUM STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because it is a synthetic petrochemical polymer. Its fit with Green Chemistry is weak due to nonrenewable feedstocks and poor biodegradability, even though water-based dispersions can reduce solvent burden during formulation.

Question 5

How does AMMONIUM STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a high-molecular-weight anionic latex polymer built from vinyl monomer units, supplied as an aqueous dispersion that forms a continuous film as water evaporates. It is commonly used around 0.5% to 10% active depending on film strength needs, and dispersion stability is usually best near neutral to mildly alkaline pH, with strong acidity, high electrolyte load, or incompatible cationic materials able to cause coagulation.