Ingredient deep-dive

Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Cross-linked acrylic thickener with an ethoxylated chain. Builds viscosity in surfactant systems.

Where it appears

Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Liquid hand soap

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Xanthan gum
Guar derivatives

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Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, common questions

Is Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer a microplastic?

Borderline. Cross-linked acrylic thickener with an ethoxylated chain. Builds viscosity in surfactant systems.

Is Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Xanthan gum; Guar derivatives.

What products contain Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer?

Commonly found in: Shampoo and conditioner; Body wash; Liquid hand soap.

Related ingredients

Acrylates Copolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

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

Acrylates Crosspolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

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

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.