Polyacrylic Acid
AKA: PAA, Poly(acrylic acid)
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Acid
Not Clean
2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer
CAS #
9003-01-4
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
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.
Viscosity Controlling
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Reduces Inflammation
Wound Healing
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic polymer. Adopted by cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent from the 1960s onward.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR