Ingredient deep-dive

Polyacrylate: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

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

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Polyacrylate — common questions

Is Polyacrylate a microplastic?

Yes — it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Polymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.

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.

Methacrylate Copolymers

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

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