Acrylates/Ceteth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer

AKA: Hair Conditioning Polymer, Emulsifying Agent

Synthetic

Not Clean

Copolymer formed from the half ester of methacrylic acid and poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl),.alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-, and one or more monomers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters

Form

Liquid

State

Solid

Functions

Viscosity Controlling

Controls Viscosity

Traditional Use

Developed in the late 20th century as a synthetic film-forming polymer for cosmetics. Used in modern skincare and cosmetic formulations to create water-resistant coatings and improve product durability on skin.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

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

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

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

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR