Acrylates Copolymer is a copolymer of two or more monomers consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or their simple esters, and includes Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer which incorporates styrene. It serves as a matrix for polymeric adsorbent entrapment[1].
acrylates copolymer is able to absorb skin secretions, thereby reducing skin shine and providing an improved skin surface for makeup application. Acrylates copolymer also imparts a pleasant feel to a cosmetic preparation and helps reduce any feeling of oiliness the product may have. It is incorporated into numerous types of cosmetic formulations including skin cleansers, oil control treatments, makeup, and loose and compressed powders. When used in conjunction with a variety of other ingredients, including glycerine, cyclomethicone, retinyl palmitate, and vegetable oils, acrylates copolymer prolongs the availability of these other ingredients to the skin through a form of time-release activity. It also helps counteract some negative properties when applied to the skin, or further enhance positive ones. For example, acrylates copolymer reduces the tackiness and greasiness of glycerine while prolonging its availability in the interstitial network of the skin. When present with retinyl palmitate, acrylates copolymer improves the stability of the formulation and increases its skin contact time.
[1] Fiume, M. Z. (2002). Final report on the safety assessment of Acrylates Copolymer and 33 related cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 21 Suppl 3, 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810290169800
