What it is
Acrylates/Acrylamide Copolymer is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid esters and acrylamide. It is used to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and form a light film that can improve the wear of a product. It is commonly found in the water phase of lotions, creams, and sunscreens.
Safety & warnings
As a high-molecular-weight polymer it remains on the skin surface and is generally well tolerated, with low irritation potential at cosmetic use levels. It is not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by copolymerization of acrylate and acrylamide monomers.
Questions everyone asks
What does this copolymer do?
It thickens the formula, helps stabilize the emulsion, and can form a light film on the skin.
Is it a UV filter?
No. It is a texture and film-forming polymer, not a sunscreen active.