Acrylic Acid/Stearyl Acrylate Copolymer

AKA: Acrylic polymer, Thickener

Plant-Derived

Occlusive

Emulsifier

Acid

Not Clean

OriginAcrylic acid and stearyl alcohol are combined from petrochemical and fatty alcohol sources respectively. Synthesized through free-radical polymerization of acrylic acid monomers with stearyl acrylate ester comonomers.

2-Propenoic Acid, Polymer with Octadecyl 2-Propenoate

CAS #

36120-03-3

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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.

Stabilizes Emulsion

Creates Protective Barrier

Fights Bacteria

Locks In Moisture

Creates protective layer

Keeps product blended

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.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

Leave-on0.1–2%

Rinse-off0.25%

0%50%100%

CIR reported use · 2018 survey

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR