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ACRYLONITRILE/BUTADIENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER.

Optional / FILM FORMING

ACRYLONITRILE/BUTADIENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER is a synthetic polymer utilized in skincare formulations primarily for its film-forming and viscosity-increasing properties. It helps to establish a thin, cohesive layer on the skin while also contributing to the desired texture and consistency of the cosmetic product.

Summary

Film-forming agent Viscosity-increasing agent Texturizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a styrene copolymer, this ingredient functions by creating a fine, often imperceptible film on the skin's surface, which can enhance product wear and potentially support the skin's external barrier. Concurrently, it modifies the rheological properties of a formulation, increasing its viscosity to ensure optimal spreadability and stability.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Unknown
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This polymer is insoluble in water, indicating its suitability for anhydrous or emulsion-based formulations. It exhibits solubility in specific organic solvents, including esters, ketones (e.g., acetone), chloroform, and ethylene dichloride. The material demonstrates robust resistance to diluted acids, alkalis, mineral oils, and both animal and vegetable fats. However, it displays poor resistance to concentrated mineral acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, alcohols, and aldehydes. It can be swollen by glacial acetic acid and carbon tetrachloride and is particularly vulnerable to concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids. For long-term stability in general applications, the polymer is susceptible to degradation from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thus requiring the inclusion of stabilizing additives to mitigate oxidative effects and improve weather resistance.

Conflicts

  • concentrated mineral acids
  • aromatic hydrocarbons
  • chlorinated solvents
  • alcohols
  • aldehydes
  • glacial acetic acid
  • carbon tetrachloride
  • concentrated sulfuric acid
  • concentrated nitric acid

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene Copolymer, alongside 34 other styrene and vinyl-type styrene copolymers, is safe for use under the current practices and concentrations in cosmetics. Although the constituent monomers can exhibit toxicity, their residual levels in cosmetic formulations are not considered to pose a safety risk. For structurally related styrene copolymers, reported maximum use concentrations in leave-on products (e.g., in basecoats and undercoats) have been observed up to 35%. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene Copolymer for use in food-contact materials, with specific limits mandating that residual acrylonitrile monomer content does not exceed 11 parts per million (ppm) in the finished articles.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

ACRYLONITRILE/BUTADIENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER is an optional formulation aid, safely employed to enhance product texture and facilitate film formation on the skin, without documented direct active skin benefits.

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