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STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER.

Valuable CAS 27306-39-4; 25034-86-0; 25085-34-1; 9010-92-8 / FILM FORMING, OPACIFYING

Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer is a versatile polymer engineered to form a flexible, continuous film on the skin or hair. It enhances product aesthetics by providing opacity and contributes to the efficacy of formulations by binding water and boosting sun protection. Its large molecular structure ensures it remains on the surface without skin penetration.

Summary

Film-forming Opacifying SPF Booster Water-resistant agent Pigment Binder Suspending Agent Stabilizer Thickener

Science

Mechanism of Action

This copolymer functions primarily as a film-forming agent, creating a pliable, cohesive layer that coats the skin or hair surface without penetrating due to its high molecular weight. It also acts as an opacifying agent, imparting color or concealing properties to cosmetic products. The formed film exhibits water-binding capabilities, aiding in hydration, and its inherent hydrophobicity contributes to water resistance, particularly valuable in sunscreens. Furthermore, it demonstrates excellent pigment-binding characteristics, stabilizing color in cosmetics, and can boost SPF values by approximately 11-18% for every 1% incorporated.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

1%

Key findings

  1. 01 An approximate 1% concentration of Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer has been noted to boost SPF values by 11-18%.
  2. 02 Clinical assessments focusing on related Acrylates Copolymers at concentrations up to 30% solids or 25% solution have demonstrated a lack of irritant or sensitizing potential.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6.3 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

The polymer exhibits excellent suspending, stabilizing, and thickening properties optimally within a pH range of 6.3 to 8.0, with thickening persisting up to pH 11. While generally insoluble, it is dispersed as a latex in water. It is prone to yellowing upon direct sunlight exposure, a tendency that increases with higher styrene content in the polymer.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel deems Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer safe for cosmetic use, based on its large molecular weight limiting skin absorption, provided formulations are non-irritating. A key safety consideration is minimizing residual styrene, a potential carcinogen, with compliant grades ensuring low levels. The SCCS has not concluded on the safety of nano-forms (at max 0.06% in leave-on products) or for spray applications due to insufficient data for toxicity evaluation and inhalation concerns, respectively.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A valuable film-forming and SPF-boosting polymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer is widely used in cosmetics for its functional properties and low irritancy, provided it is formulated to minimize residual styrene and is not in nano-form or spray application without further safety assessment.

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