What Is Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer?
Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer is a lab-made ingredient created by combining isobornyl acrylate with one or more acrylic or methacrylic building blocks. The result is a large, flexible molecule known as a copolymer that can form a clear, even film when it dries on the skin or hair. First introduced in the late 1980s as part of the push for longer-lasting makeup, it quickly found a home in nail polish and waterproof mascara. Today manufacturers produce it through controlled free-radical polymerization, a process where the small monomers are linked together in reactors under heat and carefully measured pressure. Because each batch is crafted from petroleum-derived raw materials, it offers consistent quality and purity.
You will most often see Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer in color cosmetics that need staying power such as liquid lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, glitter gels, peel-off masks and some sunscreens. It is also added to hair styling products that aim for flexible hold without a stiff feel. In many formulas it works alongside plasticizers, pigments and resins to boost durability and shine.
Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In topical products Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer serves one key job that delivers several user-friendly perks.
Film forming: Once applied it dries into a thin breathable film that locks pigments in place, resists water and sweat, helps products last longer, adds gloss and can reduce flaking or smudging. This film also helps hold moisture on the skin surface, giving a smooth comfort finish without a heavy feel.
Who Can Use Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer
This film former is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it sits on the surface and has virtually no oil content. Those with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin could experience mild irritation if a formula contains high levels of residual monomer so they may prefer low-odor or “hypoallergenic” versions.
Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer is fully synthetic and sourced from petroleum-derived feedstocks, not animals, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No current safety data suggest special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women because the polymer molecules are too large to penetrate living skin. This is not medical advice; expectant or nursing mothers should share all personal care products with their doctor to be completely sure.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity or phototoxic reactions so it will not make the skin more reactive to sunlight. It also shows good compatibility with common skincare actives and cosmetic pigments so it rarely triggers ingredient conflicts.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Contact dermatitis – occasional redness, itching or a rash in individuals who are sensitive to acrylate chemicals
- Allergic response to residual monomers – rare hives or swelling if traces of unreacted acrylate remain in the formula
- Eye irritation – stinging or watering if flakes from mascara or eyeliner enter the eye
- Folliculitis or clogged pores – very uncommon bumps where a thick film traps sweat and bacteria, more likely in hot humid conditions
- Nail plate dryness – slight brittleness after repeated wear of peel-off polishes that include the polymer
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer is a large water-insoluble molecule that sits on top of the skin rather than sinking into pores and has no oil or fatty acids that usually trigger clogging. A rating of 1 reflects the very low chance of it trapping sebum or dead cells when used at normal levels in makeup or skincare.
Suitable for acne-prone skin in most cases, though very heavy layers in hot humid weather could feel occlusive for some users.
Because this ingredient is almost always blended with pigments, waxes or silicones, any pore-clogging issue is more likely to come from those companions than from the polymer itself.
Summary
Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer is mainly a film former that locks color in place, boosts water resistance, adds gloss and helps products stay smooth and flexible. It does this by drying into an even breathable layer that keeps pigments and actives where they are supposed to be while shielding them from sweat and rubbing.
It enjoys steady use in long-wear lipsticks, mascaras, peel-off nail polishes and some hair stylers but it is not as famous as silicone or wax alternatives, so many users may not realize it is the secret behind their smudge-proof favorites.
Current research and decades of use show it is low risk for irritation or pore clogging when properly formulated. Still, everyone’s skin is different so patch test any new product that lists Acrylates/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer to make sure your skin agrees with the complete formula.