What Is Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer?
Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer is a modern hybrid ingredient that blends a man-made acrylate polymer with sap taken from the Rhus verniciflua tree, also known as the lacquer tree. The acrylate part provides a flexible film-forming backbone while the natural sap delivers plant-based compounds, including flavonoids, with antioxidant power. The two parts are chemically linked to create a stable crosspolymer that feels smooth and lightweight on skin.
The lacquer tree has been tapped in East Asia for centuries to make varnish, but only in the last couple of decades have scientists explored its sap for skincare. By grafting the sap onto an acrylate polymer, chemists found they could protect the delicate plant actives from breaking down and at the same time improve how the ingredient spreads and sets on skin.
Production starts with purified tree sap that is filtered to remove irritants, then mixed with an acrylate monomer. Under heat and controlled pH the mixture polymerizes, locking the sap inside the synthetic network. The finished crosspolymer is washed, dried as a fine powder, and added to cosmetic formulas as a pre-dispersed slurry or ready-to-use solution.
You will most often see Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer in lightweight moisturizers, daily anti-aging serums, leave-on masks, primers, and eye treatments where brands want a silky feel along with antioxidant care.
Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on the label thanks to two main roles
- Antioxidant: The plant compounds inside the sap help neutralize free radicals created by sun exposure and pollution, which can slow the look of premature aging and support brighter, healthier skin tone
- Skin conditioning: The crosspolymer forms a breathable film that smooths rough texture, boosts the spread of other actives, and leaves skin feeling soft and supple without a greasy finish
Who Can Use Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer
This crosspolymer is gentle enough for most skin types. Its lightweight film feels comfortable on oily, normal and combination skin while the antioxidant boost is welcome on dry or mature skin. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the sap is purified and the acrylate network keeps it from sitting in direct contact with the skin’s surface. People with a known allergy to lacquer tree sap or related plants should avoid it to be safe.
The ingredient is sourced from a tree and is blended with a synthetic polymer, so it contains no animal-derived material. This makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians provided the full formula of a product follows the same standard.
No data point to specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to their routine.
Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered a photosensitizer. Normal daily sun protection is still advised for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects yet most users will not experience them if the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Redness or mild irritation
- Itching or stinging immediately after application
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to lacquer tree derivatives
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer is a large polymer molecule that sits on top of skin and forms a breathable film rather than sinking into pores. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that commonly clog follicles, so the likelihood of it triggering comedones is very low. The small chance of buildup comes from the film itself trapping existing sebum or debris if skin is not cleansed properly, which keeps the rating at 1 instead of 0.
Overall this ingredient is considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
If a product pairs the crosspolymer with heavier emollients or butters, the formula as a whole could be more pore clogging even though the polymer alone is not, so checking the full ingredient list is always wise.
Summary
Acrylates/Rhus Verniciflua Sap Extract Crosspolymer delivers two key benefits: antioxidant protection thanks to flavonoid rich lacquer tree sap and skin conditioning through a light flexible film that smooths texture and enhances spreadability. By chemically linking the natural sap to an acrylate backbone, formulators keep the plant actives stable and ensure an elegant, non greasy feel.
While not yet a household name, the ingredient is gaining traction in modern moisturizers, primers and eye creams where brands want a touch of plant based story alongside reliable synthetic performance. Its rising popularity comes from its dual action and its compatibility with most skin types.
Safety data shows a low risk profile with minimal irritation potential except in those allergic to lacquer tree derivatives. As with any new skincare product, doing a quick patch test on a small area first is a smart step to confirm personal tolerance.