What Is Polyacrylate-36?
Polyacrylate-36 is a synthetic copolymer made from a blend of butyl methacrylate, HEMA, PEG-10 acrylate, PPG-6 acrylate and dimethylacrylamide. These building blocks link together to create a flexible water-resistant network that sits on skin or hair. First developed for industrial coatings, the polymer’s smooth film-forming ability soon caught the eye of cosmetic chemists in the late 1990s. Today large-scale production starts with liquid monomers that are mixed, heated and polymerized in controlled reactors, then purified and dried into a fine powder or viscous liquid ready for formulation use. You will most often spot Polyacrylate-36 in products that need a light, invisible film such as sheet masks, peel-off masks, long-wear makeup, primers, styling gels, hair sprays, sunscreens and certain anti-aging serums.
Polyacrylate-36’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one key job in beauty formulas.
Film forming: Polyacrylate-36 spreads into a thin uniform layer that locks active ingredients in place, boosts wear time, reduces water loss and gives products a smooth finish without a heavy feel.
Who Can Use Polyacrylate-36
Since Polyacrylate-36 functions mainly as a lightweight film former it generally works for all skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. Very sensitive or compromised skin might notice a tight feel if the formula uses a high level of the polymer, but this is uncommon.
The ingredient is fully synthetic with no animal-derived raw materials, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Polyacrylate-36 is used topically in cosmetics. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review new products with a doctor to be extra certain.
Polyacrylate-36 does not absorb UV light and is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it poses no added sun-related concerns.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Polyacrylate-36 vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur yet are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation – a temporary stinging or itching sensation, usually where skin is already dry or damaged
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare red rash or swelling in individuals sensitized to acrylate chemistry
- Eye irritation – watery eyes or discomfort if spray products containing the polymer are misapplied too close to the eye area
- Breakouts in very acne-prone skin – the occlusive film can occasionally trap sebum and dead cells leading to clogged pores
- Hair stiffness or dullness – overuse in styling products may leave an unwanted residue that builds up on hair strands
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any of the above reactions occur.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Polyacrylate-36 is a large, water-loving polymer that mostly stays on the surface of skin rather than sinking into pores, so it does not directly block follicles. Still, its film can hold sebum and debris in place if the rest of the formula is very heavy. Overall it is considered low risk for clogging and is generally fine for people who are prone to acne, provided the finished product is well balanced. Formulas that rinse clean or use lower levels of the polymer are least likely to cause problems.
Summary
Polyacrylate-36 is used mainly to create an invisible flexible film that locks active ingredients onto skin or hair, improves water resistance and boosts wear time. It achieves this through its network of linked acrylate units that spread evenly and then set as a thin coating. While not as famous as silicones or carbomers, it has carved out a steady spot in long-wear makeup, masks and styling products because it delivers grip without a heavy feel.
Current data show the ingredient is low toxicity and safe at the concentrations used in cosmetics, with only rare irritation or allergy reports. As with any new product it is wise to do a quick patch test before full use just to be sure your skin agrees with the formula.