Common Name(s): Polyacrylate-38,linear acrylate film-forming polymer,film-former styling polymer

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Forms a clear, flexible film on hair or skin providing styling hold or long-wear cosmetic performance — film hardness and flexibility controlled by the copolymer monomer ratio and molecular weight.

Why It's Used: Linear acrylate copolymers deliver tg-controlled films — hard monomers (mma, styrene, isobornyl acrylate) raise tg for strong hold; soft monomers (n-ba, 2-eha) lower tg for flexible conditioning films. this tg engineering provides precise sensory and performance control.

How It Works: Above tg, chains have mobility to coalesce forming a continuous film on drying. hard monomers (tg 100-130c) increase overall film tg providing rigidity; soft monomers (tg -50 to -70c) provide flexibility. ionic monomers (acrylic acid) provide ph-responsive charge for neutralised thickener function. fox equation predicts copolymer tg from monomer weight fractions.

Typically Found In: Hair care,nail products,skin care,colour cosmetics

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Eu 2023/2055: acrylate polymers forming water-soluble solutions (neutralised polyacrylic acids, sulfonated polymers) are exempt from microplastic restrictions. insoluble film-forming polymers may require compliance assessment depending on particle-size specification.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,polyacrylate-38 linear film-former review