What it is
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 is a high-molecular-weight, crosslinked polymer built from acrylic acid units and neutralized to its sodium salt. When hydrated it swells into a clear gel network that thickens water-based formulas, stabilizes emulsions, and keeps mineral or organic UV filters evenly dispersed. It is favored in lightweight gel and lotion sunscreens because it produces a smooth, non-tacky skin feel at low use levels.
Safety & warnings
As a large crosslinked polymer it is not appreciably absorbed by skin and is generally considered well tolerated and non-comedogenic. It has no notable allergen profile in cosmetic use.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic, produced by polymerizing and crosslinking acrylic-acid monomers and then neutralizing the polymer with a sodium base.
Questions everyone asks
What does sodium acrylates crosspolymer-2 do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a thickener and stabilizer, building viscosity and helping keep UV filters and emulsions evenly suspended for a smooth, even application.
Is it natural or synthetic?
It is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic-acid units that are crosslinked and neutralized to a sodium salt.