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Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Cross-linked acrylic thickener, extremely common in gels and lotions. A synthetic polymer, but it swells into a gel network rather than existing as a solid bead, which is why most regulators treat it differently from microbeads.

Where it appears

  • Gel moisturisers
  • Serums
  • Sunscreen texture
  • Cleansing gels

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted; gel-forming polymers sit outside the solid-microplastic restriction.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Xanthan gum
  • Sclerotium gum
  • Cellulose gum

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Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, common questions

Is Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer a microplastic?

Borderline. Cross-linked acrylic thickener, extremely common in gels and lotions. A synthetic polymer, but it swells into a gel network rather than existing as a solid bead, which is why most regulators treat it differently from microbeads.

Is Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer banned?

EU: Permitted; gel-forming polymers sit outside the solid-microplastic restriction. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Xanthan gum; Sclerotium gum; Cellulose gum.

What products contain Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer?

Commonly found in: Gel moisturisers; Serums; Sunscreen texture; Cleansing gels.

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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Acrylates Crosspolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

Cross-linked acrylic polymer thickener. Same plastic family as Acrylates Copolymer.

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Carbomer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

Cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.

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Polyacrylate

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

Polymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.

Read more