What Is Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12?
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 is a lab-made copolymer created by linking together t-butyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, methoxy PEG-23 methacrylate and dimethylacrylamide, then crosslinking this chain with methylene bis-acrylamide. The result is a three-dimensional network that swells in water or alcohol and forms a flexible film when it dries. Because all of its building blocks are manufactured from petrochemical or plant-derived feedstocks, the ingredient is considered synthetic rather than naturally occurring.
Crosslinked acrylate polymers first appeared in hair styling products in the late 1980s as formulators searched for lighter, flake-free alternatives to traditional resins. Advances in polymer chemistry led to Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12, which offers strong hold with a smooth feel and improved humidity resistance. Production involves controlled free-radical polymerization in a solvent, followed by purification and drying into a lightweight white powder that is easy to disperse in water or alcohol.
Today you will mainly find Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 in hair gels, styling creams, mousses and aerosol or pump sprays. It can also pop up in edge control products and temporary color styling formulas where a clear, non-tacky film is essential.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient for one primary reason that directly affects how a product performs on hair.
Hair fixing: Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 forms a thin protective film around each strand, locking the style in place once the product dries. The polymer delivers firm yet flexible hold, reduces frizz by shielding hair from moisture in the air and helps styles last longer without flaking or stiffness.
Who Can Use Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12
Because this polymer is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and generally inert, it is considered suitable for all skin and scalp types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive. People with highly reactive or allergy-prone skin usually tolerate it well since the molecule is too large to penetrate deeply, though anyone with a known acrylic allergy should proceed with caution.
The ingredient is entirely synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggest that Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any hair or skin product past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
The polymer does not absorb UV light or make skin or hair more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not associated with photosensitivity.
It is also safe on color-treated hair because it forms a clear film that will not strip dye molecules.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation
- Redness or itching due to contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to acrylics
- Eye irritation if the product is accidentally rubbed or sprayed into the eyes
- Product build-up on hair leading to dullness if not washed out regularly
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 is a very large, water-swellable molecule that stays on the surface of skin and hair, so it does not clog pores or trap sebum inside follicles. Its film-forming action occurs externally and it is chemically inert, which further lowers any chance of pore blockage. This makes it a safe choice even for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Because it dries to a breathable, non-occlusive film, it also does not interfere with oil-regulating skincare you may already be using.
Summary
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-12 is a synthetic acrylate polymer most valued for hair fixing. It creates a clear, flexible film around each strand that delivers firm yet touchable hold, tames frizz and helps styles resist humidity without flaking. While not one of the beauty industry’s superstar buzzwords, it quietly powers a wide range of gels, mousses and sprays where reliable hold and a smooth feel are required.
Safety data show a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging, and it is vegan friendly, fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin. As with any cosmetic ingredient though, it is smart to do a quick patch test when trying a new product that contains it just to be sure your skin or scalp agrees.