Ingredient deep-dive
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?
Acrylic film-former used for water resistance and long wear. Deposits a thin plastic film rather than a particle.
Where it appears
- Waterproof mascara
- Long-wear foundation
- Sunscreen water resistance
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Permitted as a film-former.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Shellac
- Cellulose film-formers
- Plant waxes
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Related ingredients
Acrylates Copolymer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern
Synthetic film-forming plastic used widely in makeup, sunscreens, and hair fixatives.
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Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern
Cross-linked acrylic polymer thickener. Same plastic family as Acrylates Copolymer.
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Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern
Cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.
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Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern
Polymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.
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