Common Name(s): Acrylic copolymer,carbopol ez,flexible film former

CAS Number: 25133-97-5

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides versatile acrylic film formation and thickening across broad ph range.

Why It's Used: Versatile workhorse polymer for film formation and thickening across diverse cosmetic product types from acidic aha serums to alkaline cleansers.

How It Works: Copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid esters. thickens via polymer chain entanglement and electrostatic repulsion. film formation from chain entanglement on water evaporation. broad ph stability from balanced acid/neutral monomer composition.

Typically Found In: Serums,lotions,sunscreens — versatile across formulation types

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – acrylic film former

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

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

Acrylates copolymers' broad ph thickening stability (vs carbomer's ph-sensitive thickening, requiring neutralisation for viscosity) enables thickening of acidic aha serums (ph 3-4) without neutralisation — maintaining the low ph required for aha efficacy while providing viscosity control. this acid-stable thickening is impossible with conventional carbomers.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12