Ingredient deep-dive

Acrylates Crosspolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

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

Where it appears

Gel-cream moisturizers
Serums (as thickener)
Sunscreen lotions

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted with phased compliance

United States

No restriction

Cleaner alternatives

Xanthan gum
Sclerotium gum

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Acrylates Crosspolymer — common questions

Is Acrylates Crosspolymer a microplastic?

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

Is Acrylates Crosspolymer banned?

EU: Restricted with phased compliance US: No restriction

What can I use instead of Acrylates Crosspolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Xanthan gum; Sclerotium gum.

What products contain Acrylates Crosspolymer?

Commonly found in: Gel-cream moisturizers; Serums (as thickener); Sunscreen lotions.

Related ingredients

Acrylates Copolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

Synthetic film-forming plastic used widely in makeup, sunscreens, and hair fixatives.

Carbomer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

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

Polyacrylate

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

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

Methacrylate Copolymers

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

Acrylic plastic family used in nail products and long-wear formulas.