What Is 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate?
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, often shortened to HEA, is a liquid ingredient made by reacting acrylic acid with ethylene oxide. The result is a small molecule that has both a reactive acrylate group and a water-loving alcohol group. This mix of properties lets it link together during manufacturing yet stay compatible with water-based formulas.
The compound first appeared in industrial coatings in the 1970s because it could form clear flexible films. Its ability to create a smooth layer soon caught the eye of cosmetic chemists looking for ways to improve the feel and staying power of makeup and skincare products. Over time strict purification steps were introduced so the grade used in beauty items meets safety standards for topical use.
Commercially, HEA is produced in closed reactors where acrylic acid and ethylene oxide are combined in the presence of a catalyst. After reaction the mixture is distilled to remove traces of starting materials, giving a high-purity ingredient suited to personal care.
In cosmetics you will most often find 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate in peel-off masks, long-wear foundations, hair gels, nail coatings and certain anti-aging serums that aim to leave a light film on the skin. It is usually blended with other monomers then polymerised during manufacturing into a larger network that stays flexible yet durable.
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
When added to a formula 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate mainly serves a single key purpose.
Film forming: Once polymerised HEA helps create a thin even layer on skin hair or nails. This film locks active ingredients in place, boosts shine and smoothness, reduces flaking, improves water resistance and gives products like makeup and hairstyling gels better wear time.
Who Can Use 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Products that contain 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate are generally suitable for normal, dry, oily and combination skin because the finished polymer sits on the surface without clogging pores or drawing out moisture. Very sensitive or compromised skin might react to trace residual monomer left from manufacturing, so anyone with conditions like eczema or a history of contact allergies should proceed with extra care.
HEA is made from petroleum-derived feedstocks and involves no material of animal origin, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Reputable suppliers also avoid animal testing, though finished products may differ by brand, so label-check if cruelty-free status is important to you.
Current safety assessments do not flag 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate as a concern for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in leave-on or rinse-off cosmetics, as skin absorption is very low once the ingredient has been polymerised. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to their doctor before use just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known interactions with common UV filters, acids or retinoids. Because it forms a breathable film rather than penetrating deeply, it can usually be layered with most skincare and makeup routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly purified and used at the low levels typical in cosmetics.
- Mild skin irritation – tingling, redness or a warm feel, usually short-lived
- Contact dermatitis – itchy rash in those already sensitised to acrylate chemicals
- Allergic reaction – rare but may include swelling, hives or intense itching
- Eye irritation – stinging or watering if the raw monomer or finished product gets into the eyes
- Nail brittleness – possible with heavy use of acrylate-based nail coatings without breaks
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is classed as non-comedogenic because it is usually converted into a large water-compatible polymer that sits on the surface rather than soaking into pores, and it adds no extra oils or waxes that could trap sebum.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Any clogged-pore risk would come from the full product formula not from HEA itself, so always judge each product as a whole.
Summary
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is mainly valued for its film-forming talent. During manufacturing it links with other monomers to create a thin flexible network that locks actives in place, boosts wear time, adds shine and cuts down flaking in everything from peel-off masks to long-wear foundations and nail gels.
While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin it quietly shows up in a range of long-lasting makeup and styling products because it gives reliable performance at low cost.
Current safety reviews rate it as low risk when properly purified and polymerised. Most users tolerate it well yet skin is personal, so patch test any new product containing HEA to be safe.