What Is Amp-Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer?
Amp-acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer is a man-made ingredient created by linking together small building blocks called monomers. In this case the main block is ethylhexyl acrylate, joined with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or their simple esters. The finished chain is then neutralized with aminomethyl propanol to make it stable and easy to mix with water. Chemists first explored these acrylic chains in the mid-20th century while looking for lightweight, flexible coatings. By the late 1980s their smooth feel and strong film-forming power caught the eye of cosmetic formulators, leading to their use in hair sprays and makeup. The copolymer is produced in large stainless-steel reactors where the monomers are blended, heated and triggered to join, then purified and dried into a fine powder or milky liquid. Today it turns up in a wide range of products including setting sprays, liquid and powder foundations, waterproof mascaras, peel-off face masks, long-wear lip colors, sunscreens and some leave-on hair treatments.
Amp-Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one key job in beauty formulas.
As a film former it spreads over skin or hair and dries to a thin, flexible layer. This film helps makeup stay in place, gives mascaras and eyeliners their smudge resistance, boosts the water resistance of sunscreens and lets peel-off masks come away in one piece without crumbling.
Who Can Use Amp-Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer
This film former is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive. Because it does not add oil or draw water out of the skin it rarely upsets an existing skin condition. The main exception is for people who already know they react to acrylic adhesives or tapes, as the copolymer comes from the same chemical family and could trigger a similar response.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived matter so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No published data show absorption through intact skin at levels that would pose a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new products past a qualified health professional.
Amp-acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer does not increase photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also colorless and odorless so it will not stain clothing or alter the scent of a finished product.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ingredients vary. The points below outline potential issues, but most users experience none of them when the copolymer is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin redness or itching in people with an existing acrylic allergy
- Temporary eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before it sets
- Dry or stiff feeling hair when used in high hold styling sprays
- Rare cases of clogged pores on very acne prone skin when layered with heavy oils or waxes
If irritation or another unwanted reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Amp-acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer is a large, water-dispersible molecule that sits on the surface of skin rather than sinking into pores. It contains no oils, waxes or fatty acids that feed acne-causing bacteria, so it is considered non-comedogenic. This makes it generally safe for those prone to breakouts. The only caveat is that in very heavy formulas packed with occlusive oils or butters, the overall product could still feel pore-clogging even if the polymer itself is not.
Summary
Amp-acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer is mainly a film former that lays down an invisible, flexible layer to lock makeup in place, give mascaras smudge resistance, help sunscreens stay put and let peel-off masks lift cleanly. It has earned steady popularity in setting sprays, long-wear foundations and waterproof eye products, though it rarely grabs headlines because it works quietly behind the scenes.
The ingredient has an excellent safety profile for most skin and hair types, with low risk of irritation and no comedogenicity. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to patch test a small area first to make sure your skin agrees with the complete formula.