Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

STEARYL ACRYLATE/VA COPOLYMER.

Valuable / FILM FORMING

STEARYL ACRYLATE/VA COPOLYMER is a versatile polymer renowned for its film-forming capabilities, creating a smooth, continuous barrier on the skin. It also functions as an effective texture enhancer, improving formulation viscosity and stability, and contributing to product water resistance.

Summary

Film-forming Thickening Viscosity controlling Emulsion stabilizing Water-resistance Pigment entrapment

Science

Mechanism of Action

This copolymer functions by forming a flexible, continuous film upon application, which imparts a soft and smooth feel to the skin. It concurrently acts as a thickening agent, optimizing the texture and viscosity of cosmetic formulations. Furthermore, it enhances the water resistance of products, such as sunscreens, and assists in the even distribution and entrapment of pigments for superior cosmetic coverage.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical data for related Acrylates Copolymer indicates effective film-forming properties, providing water resistance and SPF retention in sun protection products, daily wear moisturizers, and tinted sunscreens, typically at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5.0%.
  2. 02 Human Repeated Insult Patch Tests (HRIPT) involving 47 subjects demonstrated that Acrylates Copolymer was neither an irritant nor a sensitizer when tested at a 25% aqueous dilution and as 30% solids.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 11
0 7 14

Stability

STEARYL ACRYLATE/VA COPOLYMER exhibits broad pH stability, making it suitable for both acidic and alkaline formulations, with a functional range spanning pH 4.0 to 11.0. Optimal thickening properties are observed within pH 6.3 to 8.0, though thickening persists up to pH 11. As supplied, it is typically insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, and fatty alcohols. It becomes water-soluble or dispersible upon complete neutralization of its carboxyl groups with an appropriate water-soluble base, or can be solubilized in oil systems by neutralization with a long-chain amine.

Conflicts

  • Cationic ingredients (requires careful compatibility assessment due to the copolymer's anionic nature)
  • High concentrations or improper formulation can induce dermal irritation.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that acrylates copolymers, including Acrylates/VA Copolymer, are safe for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. While concentrations up to 98.6% are reported in nail formulations for related polymers, the maximum reported concentration for leave-on dermal exposure is 25%. Animal studies specifically involving 'Acrylates/VA Copolymer' indicated moderate to severe but reversible dermal irritation. Formulators must ensure products are non-irritating, particularly given the potential for residual monomers (e.g., stearyl acrylate) in some acrylates copolymers, although typical levels in cosmetic formulations are generally considered safe when properly managed.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

STEARYL ACRYLATE/VA COPOLYMER is a valuable multifunctional ingredient, enhancing product aesthetics and performance through film-formation, thickening, and water-resistance, provided it is formulated correctly to ensure non-irritating application.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…