What Is Polyacrylate-37?
Polyacrylate-37 is a man-made copolymer created from several building blocks, including perfluorohexylethyl acrylate, PEG-5 methacrylate, acrylic acid and phosphonoxyethyl methacrylate. Because it is entirely synthetic, its source is the lab rather than plants or animals. Chemists combine the monomers in a controlled water-free reaction called polymerization. The result is a lightweight powder that swells when mixed with water or certain oils, forming a smooth gel.
First introduced in the late 1990s as formulators searched for modern thickeners that could handle both water and silicone oils, Polyacrylate-37 soon found a home in skin care and makeup. Its ability to keep tricky ingredients evenly blended made it a popular pick for new textures like silicone-rich primers and long-wear foundations.
Today you can spot Polyacrylate-37 in moisturizers, serums, sheet masks, sunscreens, BB creams, hair styling gels and even some cleansing balms. Anywhere a brand wants a silky, non-sticky feel that stays stable through shelf life, this polymer often does the heavy lifting.
Polyacrylate-37’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Polyacrylate-37 serves one main purpose: binding. By binding ingredients together it stabilizes emulsions, stops watery parts from separating out and keeps pigments or active agents evenly dispersed. This improves the look and feel of a product, helps it glide on smoothly and ensures that every pump or scoop delivers the same balanced dose of ingredients.
Who Can Use Polyacrylate-37
Because Polyacrylate-37 is an inert, film-forming polymer it generally suits all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive. It is lightweight and does not clog pores so acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. Extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin may still want to monitor for any individual sensitivity, though problems are uncommon.
The ingredient is fully synthetic with no animal-derived components so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. As always cruelty-free status depends on the finished brand rather than the raw material itself.
Current data shows no link between Polyacrylate-37 and reproductive or developmental harm. The molecule is quite large and sits on the surface of skin rather than being absorbed so pregnant or breastfeeding users can typically use products that include it. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their routine with a physician to be safe.
Polyacrylate-37 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known effect on tanning or photoallergy. It is fragrance free and carries no risk of hormone disruption. The polymer is also compatible with most other common skincare actives such as retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Polyacrylate-37 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild transient stinging or burning
- Redness or localized irritation, especially on very sensitive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or rash
- Dry or tight feeling if the formula lacks enough emollients
- Eye watering or irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Polyacrylate-37 is a very large, inert polymer that stays on the skin’s surface, creating a thin breathable film rather than sinking into pores. Because it has no oily or waxy character it does not feed acne-causing bacteria or block follicular openings, which is why it receives the lowest possible comedogenic score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
The only time clogged pores might occur is if a finished product pairs Polyacrylate-37 with heavy occlusives; in that case the other ingredients would be the culprit, not the polymer itself.
Summary
Polyacrylate-37 is used to bind and stabilize cosmetic formulas, keeping water, oils and pigments evenly mixed so the product looks and feels consistent from first use to last. It achieves this by swelling into a soft gel that locks ingredients together while laying a smooth lightweight film on the skin.
The polymer enjoys steady popularity, particularly in primers, long-wear foundations and silicone-rich serums where a silky glide and stable texture are essential. It is not a trendy headline ingredient but a dependable backstage helper that formulators rely on.
Safety studies show it is non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic and free of reproductive or hormonal concerns, making it suitable for most users including sensitive skin. As with any new skincare product a quick patch test is still a smart move to spot rare individual reactions before full-face use.