murphyEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: EAA Copolymer, Ethylene acrylic acid polymer
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Acid
Not Clean
OriginProduced from ethylene and acrylic acid, both petroleum-derived petrochemicals in the alkene and carboxylic acid families. Synthesized through free-radical polymerization, where the two monomers chemically link under heat and catalyst conditions.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethene
CAS #
9010-77-9
State
Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Binding
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.
Opacifying
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Adds Opacity
Creates protective layer
Holds ingredients together
Keeps product blended
Creates creamy opacity
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating (CIR 283)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating (CIR 283)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.001–16.5%
Rinse-off0.001–0.5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2018 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR