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STYRENE/ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER.

Valuable / SKIN CONDITIONING

Styrene/Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer is a synthetic polymer designed to enhance skin texture and appearance. It creates a protective, hydrophobic film on the skin, effectively locking in moisture and promoting a smoother, softer feel.

Summary

Skin conditioning Film former Opacifying agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This copolymer functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent, improving the skin's overall appearance and texture. It forms a resilient, hydrophobic barrier on the skin's surface, which significantly helps to prevent transepidermal water loss, leading to enhanced hydration and smoothness. Additionally, it contributes to a non-greasy feel, provides a subtle sheen, and exhibits UV-resistant properties, acting fundamentally as a film-former.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.1–20%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Cosmetic formulations typically utilize styrene/acrylic copolymers within a concentration range of 0.1% to 20%. For optimal aesthetic and performance effects, concentrations are preferably between 0.5% and 10%, with an ideal range reported as 0.5% to 5%.
  2. 02 Related dimethicone acrylate crosspolymers have been reported in product categories such as eye shadow and shaving cream at concentrations as low as 0.005%, indicating efficacy even at trace levels for specific applications.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that a broader group of dimethicone crosspolymer ingredients, which includes variants like Styrene/acrylates/dimethicone acrylate crosspolymer, are safe in cosmetic practices of use and concentration. Related Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer was reviewed in 2014 and also deemed safe as used. However, potential contamination with residual styrene, a possible human carcinogen, is a consideration for styrene acrylates copolymer. For nano forms of Styrene/acrylates copolymer, the SCCS could not conclude on safety due to insufficient data for toxicity evaluation, for which a maximum concentration limit of 0.06% was reported.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

This versatile film-former and skin conditioner is generally safe and well-tolerated across all skin types, significantly enhancing skin texture and moisture retention in a wide array of cosmetic formulations.

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