Sodium Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer

AKA: Film Former
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid and/or one of their simple esters, sodium salts, polymers with 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Creates protective layer
Traditional Use
A synthetic copolymer created in the late 20th century for cosmetic formulations to provide film-forming and thickening properties without traditional botanical origins.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
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
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR