Acrylates/Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Methoxyethyl Acrylate Copolymer

AKA: Acrylic copolymer, Film-forming polymer

Synthetic

Occlusive

Not Clean

Copolymer of hydroxyethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methoxyethyl acrylate

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

Synthesized as a multifunctional polymer in cosmetic chemistry to provide improved film-forming and moisturizing properties. Created in the late 20th century for use in skincare and color cosmetics.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

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