SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a synthetic viscosity controller, gel former, stabilizer, and suspending agent in water-based formulas. It helps create a smooth, thick texture and can keep particles or droplets evenly dispersed.
What does SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a synthetic viscosity controller, gel former, stabilizer, and suspending agent in water-based formulas. It helps create a smooth, thick texture and can keep particles or droplets evenly dispersed.
Is SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient has friction because it is a synthetic acrylic-type polymer rather than a simple biodegradable material. It is generally low-irritation in finished formulas, but some standards flag this class for persistence and microplastic-adjacent concerns.
Is SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE sustainable?
This material is typically made from petrochemical feedstocks and is not considered readily biodegradable. Its main sustainability issue is environmental persistence rather than high direct skin concern.
Is SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE COSMOS-approved?
It is not aligned with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because synthetic petrochemical polymers of this type are generally not permitted. It has weak Green Chemistry fit due to fossil sourcing and limited biodegradability, even though it can be effective at low use levels.
How does SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight anionic polycarboxylate with many sodium-neutralized carboxylate groups, which hydrate strongly and build viscosity in water. It performs best in neutral to mildly alkaline systems, while high electrolyte levels or acidic pH can reduce swelling and lower viscosity.
Last updated 2026-05-13