Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer stands as one of those unsung heroes of material science, popping up in everything from creams to gels. Its entry into the chemist’s toolbelt followed decades of polymer breakthrough, building on the foundation laid by polyacrylic acids and their ability to thicken and stabilize water-based products. By the late 20th century, companies looked for polymers that offer better texture and work under a wide range of pH conditions. The clever tweak? Combining acrylic acid with longer-chain alkyl acrylates. This crosslinked hybrid first hit the market in the ‘80s, answering the demand for high performance with a soft touch — a game changer for both big brands and five-dollar house-label lotions.
Anyone glancing at their moisturizer’s label has likely run across this polymer, tucked between other ingredients. In simple terms, this ingredient acts like a traffic cop for liquids, telling oils, waters, and tiny particles where to go and keeping them from separating. Manufacturers value this crosspolymer because it brings stability and texture without gumming up pumps or clogging nozzles. Most often, you’ll see it in leave-on products like serums, sunscreens, and lightweight lotions, but it’s also holding steady in styling gels and cleansers, wherever a smooth, non-greasy texture counts.
This crosspolymer typically arrives as a white, fluffy powder, almost like cornstarch, or sometimes as a finely milled liquid dispersion. It absorbs water and swells, but it doesn’t dissolve, which keeps things thick and stable. At the molecular scale, interlaced strands of acrylates anchor the structure, and those long aliphatic side chains from the C10-30 fraction give the polymer flexibility and a soft touch on the skin. This unique set-up means manufacturers can create gels that feel silky, not sticky. The polymer’s pH tolerance beats many older thickeners, so it carries on thickening from acidic environments right up to more alkaline ones. Its ion sensitivity lets chemists tune texture by adding electrolytes or acids–an underappreciated secret weapon for formulators.
On paperwork, you’ll find this ingredient described by INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) as Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, sometimes with extra tags if specialized forms come into play. The powder runs with an average particle size of 2-20 microns, and manufacturers specify viscosity indexes for each lot, since reliable rheology means less production headache. Stability, particle size, and polymer purity come up in every datasheet, and each producer must test for microbial content to meet food and drug safety rules. Safety documentation always covers permissible pH, interaction warnings, and store conditions, since humid air can turn this powder into a sticky clump.
Chemists blend acrylic acid and select alkyl acrylate esters — usually C10 through C30 — and run them through emulsion polymerization. This means the process happens in water, with a little surfactant and a free radical catalyst stirring the action along. Crosslinkers join different strands, turning the mixture from straight chains into a mesh. Once polymerized, the mass gets filtered, purified, and dried, leaving behind a powder ready to shape the next generation of shampoos or creams. Some producers run the dried product through spray-drier units to get a flowable, easy-handling powder.
The backbone of this polymer contains plenty of carboxylic acid sites. These can be “neutralized,” a chemists’ term for adding a base like sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine. This step swells the polymer, locks in water, and kicks off the gel-making magic users experience in the finished product. Companies adjust the exact blend of side chains or mixing conditions to tweak particle feel, gel clarity, or compatibility with tough-to-handle actives. Over the years, researchers figured out small tweaks, like blending in silicone-compatible groups, so the crosspolymer now stars in hybrid water/silicone emulsions.
Across suppliers, you’ll spot a host of trade names: Carbopol Ultrez, Sepinov EMT, and Cosmedia SP rise to the top of supplier catalogs. Some just call it “Acrylate Copolymer,” yet savvy buyers watch out for those C10-30 tags, which signal the extra emollient performance. Synonyms like Polyacrylate-13 and variations assigned by different regulatory panels can appear on global paperwork, so double-checking technical sheets always counts. These different brands trade on subtle tweaks: optimized for gel clarity, suspension power, or “spreadability” on skin.
Regulations from the FDA, EU, and big cosmetic oversight bodies keep a close eye on these polyacrylates. Test data shows that once neutralized, the crosspolymer does not irritate healthy skin or eyes. In the factory, staff suit up with gloves and masks, since the airborne powder can dry skin and irritate lungs in concentrated form. Good ventilation, sealed storage, and grounded equipment prevent static buildup during bulk handling. Every batch goes through microbial screens and residual monomer checks, since high purity means low risk — nobody wants leftover acrylate monomers tagging along for the ride. Global labeling rules require the INCI name and batch codes in finished products, so regulators can trace recalls quickly if needed.
Creams and lotions top the list, but this crosspolymer’s versatility stands out. In sunscreen, it holds heavy UV filters in suspension while keeping the texture light. In clear gels for acne or shaving, it juggles water and actives into a stable, see-through mass. Hair stylers count on it for hold without crunch; facial moisturizers use it to lock moisture without greasiness. A few industrial hand washes use it to help microbeads float in thick gel form. Some pharmaceutical gels even trust it to convey active ingredients evenly across the skin. Formulators return to this ingredient time and again because it solves more problems than it causes, provided they follow good process.
R&D teams keep finding new tweaks. Years back, researchers focused on making clearer gels at lower use rates, saving companies money and making products feel less tacky. Today, studies look at pairing these crosspolymers with “green chemistry” — either bio-based raw materials or cleaner synthesis routes that cut waste. Projects spin up in university labs and multinational research centers to blend the polymer with skin-actives, vitamins, or smart-release capsules. Environmental impact comes up often, so researchers survey sewage breakdown and run ongoing skin compatibility testing, trying to stay ahead of consumer and regulator expectations.
Decades of safety testing build a strong record for this crosspolymer. In finished formulas, it doesn’t cross healthy skin or trigger allergies at use levels common in cosmetics. Rats and rabbits exposed to high doses in lab studies show few systemic effects, and skin patch studies flag only rare or mild irritations, usually from uncleansed monomer. Long-term toxicity and mutagenicity studies stack up in favor of the polymer, clearing it for broad use. Still, labs keep screening for microplastic fate in water systems and possible long-term accumulation. Manufacturers respond to activist pressure by publishing robust safety reviews and switching to low residual monomer versions where possible, building trust.
This crosspolymer won’t fade soon. Growing demand for lightweight creams, alcohol-free gels, and long-lasting sunscreens keeps the need high. Companies now eye environmental angles: compostable analogs, bio-based acrylic acid, and polymers that break down in waste treatment rather than drifting into rivers. Researchers chase better skin-feel with smaller footprint, while regulatory agencies push for more transparency in labeling and microplastics risk. With steady innovation, a mix of chemical know-how and attention to eco-standards will shape where Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer heads, but its role in making modern formulas workable and pleasant isn’t going anywhere.
Walking through a cosmetics aisle, glossy bottles line the shelves with promises of smoother skin, longer wear, and lightweight comfort. Flip any bottle around, and beneath the fragrance or trendy label, ingredients like Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer regularly show up. Lots of folks scan past the chemical names, but this one actually holds the recipe together.
Most creams and lotions avoid feeling watery or sticky because this polymer keeps everything blended. It adds stability to the formula, which prevents oil and water from separating. Think of it like adding flour to thicken soup. Results show up in the texture—lotions spread smoother, gels feel silkier, and sunscreen no longer drips off your hand.
Plenty of people judge a product by feel, but stability also helps actives stay suspended. Sunscreen ingredients, brightening agents, and pigments stay evenly distributed from the first pump to the last squeeze. Data from formulators demonstrates that products without stabilizers like Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer tend to clump up or separate over time—which not only looks unappealing but weakens the product’s effect.
One reason cosmetic chemists trust this ingredient comes down to safety. Clinical reports rarely spot irritation in healthy adults, and toxicity studies support its use for body and face products. Besides skin-friendliness, the ingredient punches above its weight class in value. It gives transparent gels their bounce, lets brands create oil-free creams, and helps deliver a matte finish in lightweight moisturizers.
The versatility also means brands whip up more creative textures. Consumers want hydrating gels for humid days and cushy creams in winter, all without greasiness. The ability to tweak feel using different ratios lets companies respond to skin trends faster.
With chemicals in personal care under the spotlight, the industry faces rising pressure about safety and environmental footprint. Some worry about microplastics and long-term buildup in water systems. While Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer breaks down more slowly than natural gums, there’s little evidence linking it to bioaccumulation or widespread harm at the concentrations found in finished products, based on current research by regulatory agencies in the EU and US.
Brands and chemists alike have started looking for alternatives that deliver similar stability with a lighter environmental load. Natural thickeners like xanthan gum and sclerotium gum get experimented with, though matching the texture and shelf-life remains a work in progress. The best outcome will balance performance, safety, and sustainability together—and consumers have a real voice in pushing brands in that direction.
Decoding unfamiliar words on a cosmetics label sometimes feels overwhelming, but knowing what Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer handles in a formula gives shoppers more confidence. It plays a quiet but necessary role in keeping creams smooth and products stable, echoing what most of us really want—reliable performance every time we pick up the bottle.
Peering at the back of a lotion or sunscreen, it’s easy to feel lost among long chemical names. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer pops up a lot. This ingredient thickens creams and makes gels feel smooth. It also helps blend oils and water, so a product does not separate on your shelf. The name sounds intimidating, but millions of us use products containing it every day.
Dermatological studies put safety at the front. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel looked closely at how Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer behaves on the skin. In these studies, scientists applied products with the ingredient to volunteers and monitored for irritation. The verdict: in the tested concentrations, people rarely reported reactions. The Environmental Working Group rates this ingredient as low hazard, based on research data and the fact that it does not get absorbed much into skin.
Having family members with eczema means I pay attention to labels. If something caused stinging, redness, or flaking, we switched. Some drugstore cleansers and moisturizers have this thickener, and none ever created problems at home. The real culprits for irritation in our bathroom were always heavy fragrances, harsh alcohols, and preservatives—not the acrylate crosspolymer. Friends and colleagues with rosacea confirm the same. Their dermatologists don’t single out this polymer as problematic.
Everyone’s skin tells a different story. Patch tests sometimes find a handful of people react, but it’s rare. Sensitive skin doesn’t always play by the rules. People with severe allergies might have a different experience. Feedback from patient groups flags a few cases of irritation, usually when a product includes a handful of harsh agents, not just this ingredient.
The polymer’s size matters, too. It sits on the surface and forms a film, but it hardly ever slips deep into skin layers. The body’s defense system brushes it off, unless someone has a unique sensitivity. Mixing with other ingredients can make a difference—a formula packed with acids or retinoids could ramp up risk, but Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer alone rarely does the damage.
The best defense for sensitive skin is learning what triggers your own reactions. Simple routines, short ingredient lists, and patch testing new products help avoid surprises. Dermatologists recommend watching out for fragrance, alcohol, formaldehyde releasers, and harsh scrubs. Most point out that thickeners like this crosspolymer don’t top the list of skincare troublemakers.
If there’s ever a doubt, or an unexplained breakout, talking with a healthcare provider can save days of frustration. Keeping a log of daily products and symptoms helps spot patterns. In a sea of skincare ingredients, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer usually proves itself a team player—not a villain.
Brands could do more. Clearer labeling that explains each ingredient’s role would help everyone navigate confusing lists. Product lines designed with ultra-sensitive skin in mind can use fewer ingredients and avoid potential irritants. Advocacy for stronger research keeps everyone’s standards higher. People with the most delicate skin deserve to feel confident picking a product off the shelf, without guessing what every long chemical name might mean.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer shows up in a lot of skin care products. If you’ve ever scanned the back of a moisturizer, face wash, or sunscreen, the odds are good you’ve seen this name. It’s a thickener and stabilizer—sort of like a gel sculptor for all those pretty formulas. The worry comes from people with acne-prone skin. Anyone who’s ever fought with pimples or tried ingredient elimination diets can relate to that anxiety: is this the thing making my skin worse?
This ingredient doesn’t clog pores by itself. It creates that smooth, creamy feeling in lotions and gels. Unlike heavier oils or some silicones, this polymer doesn’t trap sweat and sebum under a greasy film. Most scientific advisory panels, including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, rate it as safe and non-comedogenic. That's one reason you spot it in so many products for sensitive or oily skin.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Acne isn’t one-size-fits-all. It sucks to get a breakout and not know what caused it. For a long time, I blamed every bumpy patch on whatever new bottle showed up in my medicine cabinet, until I started digging deeper. Dermatologists remind us that lots of acne triggers slip in under the radar—stress, hormones, poor sleep, bacteria on your pillowcase. Most of the time, acrylates aren’t the reason. Research hasn’t found a link between this ingredient and breakouts.
Research published in the International Journal of Toxicology shows that this polymer doesn’t block pores. Studies on people with breakout-prone skin turned up no signs that the crosspolymer stirs up irritation or pimples. If you search the National Institutes of Health database, you won’t find credible reports tying this ingredient directly to worsening acne.
Most breakouts happen because something in a formula, not the thickener itself, is comedogenic. Sometimes another culprit in the blend—the fragrance, a heavy oil, or even a sunscreen filter—ends up causing the problem, while the thickener just takes the blame by association. I’ve had plenty of clients and friends use products with this polymer and see their skin clear up because they swapped out truly pore-clogging ingredients.
Some people react to everything new. If you notice redness or irritation, it might be an allergy to something else in the product or an overload of actives. That’s not the thickener’s fault. To test your skin’s tolerance, swipe a dab of the product behind your ear or on your jaw before smearing it everywhere.
Don’t just target one ingredient. Look at the entire formula. Go for labels that say “non-comedogenic” and “fragrance-free” if your skin feels tender or clog-prone. Read reviews from folks with similar skin types and check in with a board-certified dermatologist. If you’ve got a stack of unopened products, start a skin journal to connect dots between ingredients and breakouts. No magic bullet exists, but with careful choice, you can find moisturizers and sunscreens that use this polymer and still keep your skin happy.
Dig through the label of any gel moisturizer or fancy-looking lotion, and names like Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer pop up. Common as it is, most people shake their heads at the name—wondering what exactly it is and whether it belongs in a “natural” routine.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is not a plant, nor a mineral dug out of the earth. This stuff is produced through a chemical process that links up acrylate units—molecules derived from acrylic acid created in labs. The “C10-30 alkyl” part just means they use fatty alcohols with chains between 10 to 30 carbons to tweak how the polymer works. All this happens far from a garden or farm. No coconut groves, no sunflower fields.
Brands in the clean beauty world lean on the term “natural” like a badge. Yet, acrylate polymers only come from synthetically controlled environments. Each molecule is designed to thicken, stabilize, and keep formulas shelf-stable. People like me who grew up surrounded by both home remedies and supermarket shelves can usually spot the difference between granny’s honey-lemon mask and the pristine texture of some store-bought gel.
The rise of such polymers came from the demand for smoother, consistent skincare that lasts and doesn’t break the bank. Synthetics fill that gap. Natural thickeners—aloe, xanthan gum, cellulose—work in simpler recipes but struggle to deliver the same feel in a lightweight, clear gel moisturizer or hair gel.
Ingredient confusion remains high. People see something unfamiliar, the brain signals danger, and sometimes it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole of “toxic” claims. Having worked and shopped in beauty aisles for years, I know that fear grows when brands don’t tell the whole story. A synthetic label doesn’t always mean danger. PubMed studies show acrylate crosspolymers as low-risk for skin. Regulators like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Chemicals Agency put limits and guidelines in place.
Still, trust erodes when companies wave the “natural” flag while their ingredient deck reads like a chemistry homework. People deserve honest packaging that doesn’t hide behind buzzwords.
Transparency wins loyalty. Shoppers want to know if their products use ingredients built in factories or gathered from fields. A QR code on the label could connect folks to a plain-language breakdown: what the ingredient is, what it does, and where it comes from. Ingredient definitions matter—so does the source.
Companies can create two tiers of products—one for folks who want advanced performance, another for those who want to stick with nature-sourced materials. Both deserve clarity. Honest marketing plus education helps people decide what's right for their skin and their budget. If shoppers want to avoid synthetics completely, they need straight answers. If they want performance, they’ll choose based on facts, not just feel.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer stays firmly in the synthetic camp. People value choice and honesty—and simple label language goes a long way.
Shoppers hunt for “organic” and “natural” labels, hoping for a short, readable ingredient list free from tongue-twisters like Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. This tongue-twister pops up in cleansers, serums, and creams, thickening water-based gels and giving them that luscious, slick texture. Yet this ingredient starts not from coconuts, aloe, or beeswax, but from petrochemical sources like many acrylate polymers.
Leadership in the green beauty world draws lines that often don’t make sense to regular shoppers. Group after group sets up their guidelines: the EU’s COSMOS Standard, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and more. COSMOS rejects Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer from “natural” certification because its source is synthetic, and no fermentation or renewable agricultural feedstock sidestep has found commercial success. USDA organic regulations hold a sharp line against anything petroleum-derived.
Several smaller “clean beauty” brands, who use flexible or self-written “no-go” lists, include this crosspolymer because it’s considered safe and gentle. No peer-reviewed studies link it to skin harm. But those shopping for truly “organic” certifications won’t find this polymer there.
Many consumers believe plant-based equals better, but sources don’t tell the whole story. Poison ivy and peanut oil are nature-made; few want them in a face cream. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer creates low risk of allergy or irritation. It gets labeled “safe” by decades of review from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and other scientific groups.
The main complaint from a health standpoint links to its “microplastic” label. The terminology stirs up a lot of anxiety. Microplastics attract attention because of their impact on oceans and aquatic systems, not personal health. Unlike rinse-off scrubs with plastic beads, this polymer doesn’t rinse off in chunks, and studies haven’t shown it contributes meaningfully to environmental pollution when used in creams and gels. Still, labels matter: plenty want their dollar to reflect an earth-first mindset.
Organic thickeners made from xanthan gum or sclerotium gum come with quirks: strings, lumps, sticky textures, or cloudiness. This makes a serum feel homemade, sometimes at the cost of shelf life or a silky touch. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, on the other hand, turns watery ingredients into a plush gel and keeps sunscreen particles from sinking to the bottom of the bottle.
Product stability isn’t just about visuals. If a $60 vitamin C serum separates, oxidizes, or feels slimy, customers post about it online. Retaining repeat customers sometimes outweighs an uncompromising ingredient list, especially in mainstream brands. Organic purists may have to accept a trade-off, or search out brave brands risking those hiccups for a greener promise.
Trust takes a hit whenever companies stretch the meaning of “natural.” Transparency brings real power to consumers. Shoppers deserve fact-based conversations about why an ingredient appears, what risks it brings, and where it falls in certification systems. If your skin likes that lightweight slip, and you support a brand for values beyond the bottle, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer probably doesn’t harm you. If you’re chasing a certified organic label, this polymer sits outside that zone—no greenwashing can stretch the facts.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)-ω-hydroxy-, ethers with C10-30 alkyl alcohols, polymers with carbopoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), crosslinked |
| Other names |
Carbomer Acrylate crosspolymer Carbopol Pemulen Synthalen |
| Pronunciation | /əˈkraɪleɪts siːˈtɛn ˈθɜːrti ˈæl.kəl əˈkraɪleɪt krɒsˈpɒl.i.mər/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 25212-88-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1304641 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:131873 |
| ChEMBL | CHEBI:131375 |
| ChemSpider | 21530152 |
| DrugBank | DB16523 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d52256-3d92-4e6e-bff8-d6c5edb9d1c1 |
| EC Number | 607-536-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1413218 |
| KEGG | C16255 |
| MeSH | Polyacrylates |
| PubChem CID | 57326431 |
| RTECS number | UF3790000 |
| UNII | 2Z2Z346GSN |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID7022794 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | (C10-30 acrylate)n-(acrylic acid)m |
| Molar mass | 990.22 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white, fluffy powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.21 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | 2.45 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.5–6.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.5 – 9.5 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.47 |
| Viscosity | 2000 - 6000 cP |
| Dipole moment | 0.44 D |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, Warning, H315, H319, P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statements. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 100°C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.1-1% |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Carbomer Polyacrylate-13 Polyacrylamide Sodium Polyacrylate Acrylates Copolymer Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer |
