What Is Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer?
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer is a man-made ingredient created by linking dimethicone, a type of silicone, with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid units. This marriage of silicone and acrylic chemistry gives the material both the silky feel of dimethicone and the flexible hold of acrylic polymers. The idea of combining these two families took off in the late 1990s when formulators wanted a way to deliver the slip of silicones together with the staying power of fixative resins. To make it, chemists start with dimethicone that has reactive ends, then add acrylic or methacrylic monomers in a controlled reaction so the two parts grow into one continuous chain, forming a stable copolymer powder or dispersion.
Because it does not dissolve in water and forms a breathable film, this copolymer shows up in many leave-on and rinse-off products. You will find it in liquid and powder foundations, face primers, pressed powders, setting sprays, mascaras, eyeliners, long-wear lip colors, sunscreens, hair styling creams, antiperspirants, body lotions and even some sheet masks. Its popularity keeps growing as consumers look for makeup and skin care that feel light yet last all day.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer pulls double and sometimes triple duty, improving both product stability and the user experience.
- Anticaking – Keeps loose or pressed powders free flowing by coating pigment and filler particles so they do not clump, leading to a smoother application
- Binding – Acts like a glue that holds powder ingredients together in a pan or on the skin, helping compacts resist crumbling and extending wear time
- Film Forming – Creates a thin flexible layer that locks pigments in place, boosts water resistance in sunscreens and prevents smudging in eye or lip products
- Skin Conditioning – Leaves a soft non-greasy finish that makes skin feel silky, improving spreadability and enhancing the overall sensory touch of creams and lotions
Who Can Use Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
The silky film this copolymer creates suits most skin types. Oily and combination skins appreciate its lightweight feel and ability to keep pigments in place without adding greasiness, while dry skin benefits from the soft conditioning finish. Very sensitive skin or those with a known sensitivity to silicones may want to proceed with caution because any film former can potentially trap heat or sweat and trigger redness in reactive complexions.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived components, making it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Safety reviews consider the molecule too large to penetrate living skin so systemic absorption is not expected. That makes it generally acceptable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, though this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review all skincare choices with a qualified physician.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also works well alongside typical actives such as retinoids or vitamin C without known conflicts.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible but unlikely when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation or redness in individuals sensitive to silicones or acrylics
- Transient stinging when applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Clogged pores or small bumps in users already prone to congestion if heavy layers are not cleansed off properly
- Eye watering or discomfort if powder or spray formats enter the eye
- Contact dermatitis in the rare case of a true allergy to the polymer
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek medical guidance if symptoms do not settle promptly.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer is a large, inert molecule that sits on the surface rather than seeping into pores. Its silicone side provides slip without heavy oil, and the acrylic side forms a breathable film that lets excess sebum escape. Because it is mostly used at low percentages and leaves behind a thin layer that washes off easily with a good cleanser, the likelihood of it clogging pores is low, giving it a practical rating of 1.
People who are prone to acne can usually use products containing this copolymer without added risk, provided the rest of the formula is also low in pore-clogging ingredients.
Keep in mind that any film former can trap existing oil and debris if not removed at night, so thorough cleansing is still important for breakout-prone skin.
Summary
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer works as an anticaking agent, binder, film former and skin conditioner by coating particles, gluing formula components together, laying down a flexible water-resistant film and delivering a silky afterfeel. This multitasking nature makes it a favorite in long wear makeup, sunscreens, hair styling creams and increasingly in lightweight skincare where consumers want durability without heaviness.
Safety reviews show it is non irritating for most people, non sensitizing and too large to penetrate living skin layers. Overall it is considered a low-risk ingredient yet, as with any new product, patch testing is wise to rule out individual sensitivities.