What Is Polyethylacrylate?
Polyethylacrylate is a synthetic polymer created from the monomer ethyl acrylate. Chemically it is classified as a homopolymer, meaning the chain is built from repeating units of just one type of molecule. The finished material forms a clear flexible film that is insoluble in water yet disperses easily in cosmetic emulsions.
The ingredient came into cosmetic use in the 1950s when chemists were looking for man-made film formers that were more stable than natural gums or resins. Thanks to advances in petroleum-based chemistry, ethyl acrylate could be produced in large quantities, then polymerized under controlled conditions to deliver reliable performance batch after batch.
Manufacturing starts with ethyl acrylate, which is obtained by reacting acrylic acid with ethanol. The monomer is then subjected to free-radical polymerization in large reactors. Heat, an initiator and sometimes a solvent encourage the small molecules to link into long chains. After purification and drying, the resulting Polyethylacrylate appears as a fine powder or viscous resin that is ready to be blended into cosmetic bases.
You will encounter Polyethylacrylate in a variety of personal care products such as foundations, mascaras, eyeliners, sunscreens, leave-on conditioners, hair styling gels, peel-off masks, nail polishes, moisturizers and anti-aging serums. Anywhere a smooth flexible film or improved texture is desired, this polymer is a common choice.
Polyethylacrylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Polyethylacrylate serves two core roles that translate into practical benefits for the end user
- Binding – Acts like glue inside the product, holding pigments, powders and other ingredients together so the formula remains uniform and stable over time. This prevents settling or separation, giving makeup a consistent color payoff and keeping lotions homogenous from the first pump to the last
- Film forming – Creates a thin continuous layer on skin, hair or nails that locks in active ingredients, improves wear time and boosts water resistance. In sunscreen it helps keep UV filters evenly distributed, in mascara it reduces flaking and in moisturizers it supports a soft non-sticky finish
Who Can Use Polyethylacrylate
Polyethylacrylate is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin because it forms a lightweight flexible film that does not trap excess oil or create heaviness. People with a known sensitivity to acrylic polymers should proceed with caution since very rare cases of irritation have been reported.
The polymer is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived substances so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety assessments rate Polyethylacrylate as safe for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review any skincare product they plan to use to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Polyethylacrylate vary from person to person. The points below describe potential reactions but they are unlikely to affect the average user when a product is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness, itching or a stinging sensation
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to acrylate polymers
- Eye irritation if the raw powder or an aerosol mist comes in direct contact with the eyes
- Temporary build up on hair strands leading to a weighed down feel if used in very high concentrations
- Acne like breakouts in those extremely prone to congestion when the formula also contains heavy oils or waxes
- Respiratory irritation if the ingredient is inhaled from spray products before the droplets have settled
If any adverse reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Polyethylacrylate is a lightweight film former that sits on the surface of skin rather than seeping into pores and it carries no intrinsic oil content, so the chance of it clogging pores is very low. It earns a 1 rather than a 0 because any occlusive layer, even a thin one, can very rarely trap debris when used alongside heavy oils or waxes.
Generally considered safe for acne-prone skin, most users will not experience breakouts from this ingredient.
In leave-on products a balanced formula that avoids excessive rich emollients will further minimize any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Polyethylacrylate works as a binder and film former. Its long polymer chains “glue” pigments and particles together so the product stays uniform while forming a clear flexible veil that locks active ingredients in place and boosts wear time.
The polymer is a quiet workhorse rather than a blockbuster so you may not see splashy marketing around it, yet formulators rely on it in everything from foundations to sunscreens because it delivers consistent performance at a low cost.
Current research deems it safe for topical use with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a small area first to confirm personal compatibility.