Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer

AKA: Acrylic polymer, Crosslinked acrylic
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Ethenyl isodecanoate, polymer with 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid, 2-propenoic acid or one or more of their simple esters, and polyalkenylpolyether
State
Solid
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Creates protective layer
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic cross-linked polymer created for cosmetic stability and texture. Used in waterproof and long-wear makeup formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-2
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR