What Is Acrylates Crosspolymer-3?
Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 is a man-made polymer created by linking together small acrylic acid or methacrylic acid units with trimethylolpropane triacrylate and trimethylolpropane diallyl ether. This crosslinking forms a three-dimensional network that swells in water yet stays stable in oils, making it highly versatile for modern cosmetics. The chemistry behind it grew out of the 1970s push for better styling gels and lotions that would not flake or feel stiff. Over the decades, manufacturers refined the process, using controlled temperature and pH reactions in large reactors to produce uniform powder or pre-dispersed gel forms ready for formulators.
You will spot Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 in a wide range of products such as styling gels, hair sprays, leave-in creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, sheet masks, lightweight serums and long-wear makeup. Its ability to form clear flexible films and adjust texture makes it a go-to ingredient when brands want smooth spreadability, hold or a non-sticky finish.
Acrylates Crosspolymer-3’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on this ingredient for several practical reasons
- Film forming: Creates a thin breathable layer on skin or hair that locks in active ingredients, boosts water resistance in sunscreens and helps makeup stay put longer
- Hair fixing: Provides flexible hold in gels and sprays so styles keep their shape without crunch or flaking
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens water-based formulas giving lotions, creams and serums a pleasant glide and preventing the product from separating in the bottle
Who Can Use Acrylates Crosspolymer-3
This polymer is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, combination, sensitive and acne prone skins because it sits on the surface rather than soaking deep into pores. People with extremely reactive or broken skin should still take extra care, since any film former could trap heat or sweat on already irritated areas.
Because Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 is fully synthetic and made without animal byproducts it suits both vegetarians and vegans. Most suppliers also certify it as cruelty free.
The molecule is large and not known to penetrate living tissue, so current safety reviews list it as acceptable for products used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear every skincare choice with a qualified healthcare provider to stay on the safe side.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more likely to burn in sunlight. It is also safe for color treated hair because it leaves no yellowing residue.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 vary from person to person. The points below outline possible but not common effects. When used at the levels approved for cosmetics most people will experience none of these issues.
- Mild skin redness or itching
- Temporary tight feeling as the film sets
- Flaking in hair products if too much is applied
- Eye irritation if sprayed formulas drift into the eyes
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 – Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 is a large surface-coating polymer that stays on top of skin rather than slipping into pores, so it does not feed or trap oil that could trigger clogged pores. Its film is lightweight and breathable compared with heavier waxes or butters, which keeps the likelihood of breakouts extremely low. For these reasons it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent blemishes.
Because it is often blended with other ingredients, remember that the overall product formula, not just this polymer, determines whether a product will clog pores.
Summary
Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 works as a flexible film former, a gentle hair-holding agent and a dependable viscosity controller that gives lotions and gels their smooth glide. It achieves these jobs by swelling in water to thicken formulas, then drying as a clear elastic layer that locks active ingredients in place and boosts staying power on skin or hair.
You will spot it in everything from sunscreens and light serums to hair sprays and long-wear makeup, so while it is not the trendiest buzzword ingredient it enjoys steady popularity behind the scenes for its reliability and versatility.
Current safety assessments rate it as low risk with minimal irritation potential, making it a safe choice for most users when used at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new product it is wise to run a quick patch test to be certain your skin agrees with the full formula.