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| Catalog Number | CI-HC-0054 |
| Product Name | Acrylate Copolymer |
| CAS | 129702-02-9 |
| Description | This polymer is a hydrophobic high molecular weight carboxylated acrylic copolymer. Because acrylate copolymer is anionic, compatibility must be evaluated when formulating with cationic ingredients. |
| Solubility | Partly water-soluble |
| Appearance | Fine white powder |
| Application | Color cosmetics, sun & skin protection, hair care products, shaving creams, moisturizers. |
| Storage | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature |
| Composition | Acrylates octylacrylamide copolymer |
| Features And Benefits | Excellent film forming polymer that adds water-resistance to creams, sunscreen and mascaraProvides water-proof protection and thickening properties depending on the formulaDue to inherent moisture resistance it can be used in waterproof sunscreens and a variety of protective creams and lotions |
| GMO | GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components) |
| HS Code | 3208100000 |
| INCI | Acrylates octylacrylamide copolymer |
| Manufacture | Acrylate copolymer is produced by polymerization of octylacrylamide and one or more monomers consisting of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and octylacrylamide |
| Uses | Can be mixed into the hot oil phase of formulation, mixes also with glycerin, propylene glycol, alcohol or hot water that has been neutralized (eg. water, TEA 0.5%, 2% acrylates copolymer). Needs to be sprinkled into the solution and well mixed. Prior to adding acrylate copolymer, all oil phase ingredients should also be combined and heated to 80°C/176°F. Acrylate copolymer should then be slowly sifted in using good agitation and mixed for one half hour. Use levels: 2-7%. For external use only. |
Fiume, Monice Zondlo. International journal of toxicology, 2002, 21(6), 1-50.
Acrylate copolymers are commonly used in cosmetics as binders, film formers, hair fixatives, suspending agents, viscosity enhancers, and emulsion stabilizers. If used as a binder, film former, or fixative, concentrations may be as high as 25%. If used as a viscosity enhancer, suspending agent, or emulsion stabilizer, concentrations may be as low as 0.5%.
Safety of Acrylate Copolymers
· These very large polymers have little toxicity. In rabbits and guinea pigs, acrylate copolymers did produce irritation, but no evidence of sensitization was found. The main concern with the use of these polymer ingredients is the presence of toxic residual monomers, particularly 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.
· Another concern with residual monomers is inhalation toxicity. Although acrylic acid monomers are a nasal irritant, exposure to the monomers when using these polymers in cosmetic formulations is consistently below established occupational exposure limits for nasal irritation.
· According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Report, although the monomers may be toxic, the levels found in cosmetic formulations are not considered to present a safety risk. When formulated to avoid irritation, these acrylate copolymers are considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations.
Keshavarzi, Fatemeh, et al. Skin Research and Technology, 2021, 27(2), 153-162.
This work evaluated the effects of several acrylate copolymer-based topical films on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) simulated from human skin to predict the breathability of these topical formulations.
Evaluation results
In vitro devices determined that vinyl pyrrolidone/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymers formed the most breathable films, while acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymers and shellac films exhibited the highest barrier properties. In vivo TEWL studies showed that acrylates/octylacrylamide and polyurethane-64 films had the same relative barrier properties, although the driving force for water vapor permeation was more complex due to the accumulation of moisture overlying the skin surface.
Preparation of topical films
Polymer solutions optimized for film application were created using a blend of acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer (Acr-OcAA, 20 wt.%), polyurethane-64 (PU, 25 wt.%), vinylpyrrolidone/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymer (VP-Acr-LaMeAcr, 15 wt.%), and shellac (40 wt.%), all dissolved in ethanol, along with acrylates/dimethicone copolymer (Acr-DiMet, 40 wt.%) in isopropanol. Calibration curves correlating wet thickness to dry thickness were established for each polymer, allowing for the preparation of samples with a dry thickness of 50 µm. For the permeation tests, the polymer solution was applied to a gelatin-based skin-mimicking substrate using a casting knife film applicator and left to dry for 18 hours before conducting the experiment.
What are the primary functions of Acrylate Copolymer in cosmetic products?
Acrylate Copolymer serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an emulsifier, thickener, hair conditioning agent, antistatic component, binder, and film-forming agent. These properties make it versatile and beneficial for various applications, particularly in hair care and personal care products.
How does the pH level affect the performance of Acrylate Copolymer?
Acrylate Copolymer exhibits optimal suspending, stabilizing, and thickening properties within a pH range of 6.3 to 8. However, it can continue to function effectively up to a pH of 11. This flexibility allows it to be used in a broad array of formulations while maintaining its performance.
Is Acrylate Copolymer suitable for use in extreme environmental conditions?
Yes, Acrylate Copolymer is stable over a wide range of temperatures and shows high resistance to shear forces. It provides a reliable setting effect and curl retention even under extreme humidity conditions, making it particularly suitable for hair styling products in diverse climates.
What benefits does Acrylate Copolymer offer for low-VOC hair spray formulations?
In low-VOC hair spray systems, Acrylate Copolymer enhances performance by ensuring excellent hold and curl retention while maintaining low viscosity in high water formulations. When neutralized with AMP, it results in crystal-clear, virtually colorless solutions that allow for precise formulations and effective hair styling results.
In which types of products is Acrylate Copolymer commonly used, and at what concentrations?
Acrylate Copolymer is frequently used in various surfactant cleaning products, including shower and bath gels, facial cleansers, shampoos, 2-in-1 conditioners, and baby shampoos. It is typically employed in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%, delivering desired effects across different product types.
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