Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer

AKA: Film Forming Polymer

Synthetic

Occlusive

Clean

Copolymer of C12-22 alkyl methacrylate and one or more monomers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters

Form

Liquid

State

Solid

Functions

Film Forming

Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.

Creates Protective Barrier

Traditional Use

A synthetic polymer developed for cosmetic formulations to improve texture. Functions as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer in contemporary products.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

ewg-2

medical-approval

pregnancy-nursing-safe

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types, gentle

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR