Ingredient deep-dive

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

Sources reviewedAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked copolymer. Its name does not establish a physical particle form, concentration or exemption; the full name matters when reviewing the material.

Shared method updated October 6, 2026. Individual sources reviewed October 6, 2026.

What changed in this reference

Earlier pages inferred a yes/no microplastic verdict from an editorial high/medium/low grouping. Those labels were not measurements or health-risk grades. The shared answer, FAQ and regulation context now distinguish label names from physical particles. This entry also received the individual source review described below.

This acrylic copolymer incorporates Steareth-20 methacrylate and allyl-ether crosslinks. CIR lists dispersing and film-forming functions; its similarly named non-crosslinked copolymer has a different definition.

Identity corrections and evidence limits

The shortened Steareth-20 Methacrylate alias is removed. The non-crosslinked Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer and this crosspolymer are different identities; the former’s liquid-form or viscosity information cannot simply be assigned to the latter.

The January 2019 CIR final report evaluates historical cosmetic uses and concentrations, with non-irritating formulation and manufacturing qualifications. It combines published and industry-submitted data; it is not a test of this product, an environmental assessment or a current compliance decision.

Reported uses and functions

Nonsurfactant dispersing function
Film formation

How the rules depend on the product

European Union

The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance.

United States

The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking.

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Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, common questions

Is Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer a microplastic?

Does a label match mean Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer is banned?

A label match alone cannot determine product compliance. EU context: The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance. US context: The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking. Other substance-specific rules are separate from the microplastic definition; this reference is not a compliance determination.

Can a label show the particle count or health effect?

A label-name match does not measure particles, concentration, exposure or health effects. Polymer identity alone does not establish particle form or legal scope.

Sources and review scope

The Commission guide establishes the shared definition and transition context; CosIng inclusion is not ingredient approval. Label rules do not provide a particle assay. Ingredient-specific sources support the identity and scope stated here, not a tested product or measured health outcome.