What Is Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer?
Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer is a man-made ingredient created by joining acrylic acid with long-chain alkyl acrylates that range from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. The result is a flexible polymer that can interact with water and oil, giving formulators a handy tool for modern skincare and makeup. First explored in the late 1970s as chemists searched for more stable thickeners, the material quickly moved from industrial coatings to personal care because it offered better texture and longer shelf life than older gums and waxes.
The copolymer is produced through a process called free-radical polymerization. In simple terms, the two raw monomers are mixed with a catalyst and heat so they link together into long repeating chains. Once purified and dried, the powder or liquid resin is shipped to cosmetic labs where it is dispersed into water or oil phases depending on the formula.
You will most often find Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer in lightweight lotions, face and body creams, sunscreens, gels, sheet-mask essences, hair styling products, color cosmetics like foundation and BB creams and anti-aging serums that need a smooth feel without greasiness.
Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking polymer adds several technical perks that improve how a product looks feels and lasts on the skin.
- Binding: Helps hold powders or pigments together so formulas remain uniform and do not separate during storage or application
- Light Stabilizer: Protects sensitive ingredients from breaking down when exposed to sunlight which helps a product keep its color and potency longer
- Viscosity Controlling: Adjusts thickness so creams feel plush gels feel bouncy and sprays flow smoothly without dripping
Who Can Use Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer
This polymer is considered friendly for nearly all skin types, including oily, combination, dry and mature skin. Its lightweight feel means it will not clog pores so even acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it. Most sensitive skin users have no issue although anyone with a known acrylic allergy should proceed carefully.
Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer is fully synthetic and made without animal-derived materials, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current ingredient safety reviews show no problems for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the copolymer is used in normal cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products, just to be safe.
The ingredient itself does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more likely to burn in the sun. Standard daily sunscreen use is still advised for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues that are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Localized irritation redness, itching or a mild burning feeling on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare rash or swelling in people allergic to acrylic compounds
- Eye irritation stinging or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness a temporary taut sensation if the product’s water content evaporates too quickly on very dry skin
If you experience any negative reaction stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer is a large high-molecular-weight polymer that sits on the surface of the skin rather than seeping into pores. It contains little to no oily or waxy material that could block follicles and its film-forming behavior is breathable rather than occlusive. Because of these traits it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale.
That makes it generally safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One extra note: formulas that include heavy oils alongside this polymer could still clog pores, so always consider the full ingredient list not just the polymer itself.
Summary
Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer acts as a binder, light stabilizer and viscosity controller. Its flexible chains weave together pigments or powders for even distribution, shield light-sensitive actives from UV-triggered breakdown and thicken water or oil phases so lotions feel plush and gels feel springy.
It is a popular pick in modern skincare, sunscreens and makeup because it offers silky textures without the greasiness older thickeners caused, though you will not see it hyped in marketing the way hero actives are.
Safety reviews find the ingredient low risk for irritation or clogging, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and acne-prone. As with any new product a quick patch test is smart before full-face use.