Exfoliants

Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer

Also known as: Steareth-20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer

A synthetic polymer that blends steareth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid | Used as a thickening agent in skin care and hair care products

Addresses

Thickening, Texture Enhancing

What Is Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer?

Acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer is a synthetic polymer that blends steareth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid. It functions as a thickening agent in skin care and hair care products. Research has found that unlike some other polymers used in cosmetics, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer rinses more easily from skin and hair, making it more desirable for use.

The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board has found acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer safe as used in cosmetics. Typical concentration range is from 0.75–1%.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2017, Volume 36, Supplement 5, pages 59S-88S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581817707927]
  • International Journal of Research in Cosmetic Science, February 2016, Volume 6, Issue 1, pages 6-16 [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301221021_Advancements_in_polymers_used_in_hair_care_a_review]
  • Cosmetic Nanotechnology: Polymers and Colloids in Cosmetics, April 2007, Chapter 1, pages 3-56 [https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2007-0961]
  • Contact Dermatitis Cutaneous Allergy Environmental and Occupational Dermatitis, November 2006, Volume 55, Issue 5, pages 257-267 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2006.00960.x]

How widely it's used

0.1%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Cleansers Sunscreens Moisturisers

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
ACRYLATES/STEARETH-20 METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
Function
Viscosity Controlling

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