Sodium Polyacrylate

INCI: Sodium Polyacrylate | Function: Thickener, Absorbent, Film Former | Type: Synthetic polymer

What Is Sodium Polyacrylate?

Sodium Polyacrylate is a superabsorbent polymer that can absorb 200-300 times its weight in water. In cosmetics, it functions as a thickener, suspending agent, and film former, providing a silky, powdery after-feel. Commonly used in gel creams and quick-breaking textures.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Instantly thickens water phase at low concentrations
+ Provides silky, powdery after-feel
+ Stabilizes emulsions and suspends particles
+ Enables quick-breaking gel textures

Pros

+ Very efficient thickener (0.2-1% typical use)
+ Powdery, non-greasy skin feel
+ Excellent suspending properties
+ pH-stable

Cons

− Synthetic polymer (not biodegradable)
− Not suitable for natural/organic certifications
− Can pill/ball up if overused
− Electrolyte-sensitive

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Gel cream	0.2 - 1%
Serum	0.2 - 0.5%
Eye gel	0.1 - 0.5%

References

CIR (2018) — Polyacrylate polymers safety. PMID: 30311799
EWG Skin Deep — Score 2/10

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