Polybutyl Acrylate

AKA: PBA, Poly(butyl acrylate)
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
Poly[1-(butoxycarbonyl)ethylene]
CAS #
9003-49-0
Form
Powder
Functions
Binding
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Holds Formula Together
Creates Protective Barrier
Creates protective layer
Holds ingredients together
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer created for cosmetic use as a film-forming and binding agent, developed through modern polymer chemistry without traditional origins.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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