Ingredient deep-dive
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6: Is It a Microplastic?
The name Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 alone does not establish whether the finished product contains synthetic polymer microparticles. This entry's individual source review is pending.
Shared method updated .
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’s earlier ingredient-specific claims are retained below for review, not offered as verified findings.
Earlier description awaiting individual source review
Cross-linked acrylic gelling agent prized for a light, non-tacky feel. Synthetic polymer, gel network rather than particle.
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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Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, common questions
Is Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 a microplastic?
Does a label match mean Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is banned?
Can a label show the particle count or health effect?
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. The shared sources do not verify every claim in the earlier description; individual review remains pending.
Related ingredients
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked polymer. The name alone does not establish that every finished formula contains microspheres of a qualifying size or a particular exposure level.
Read moreSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic polymer salt, distinct from Sodium Polyacrylate. A name match does not determine whether the finished product contains qualifying polymer microparticles.
Read moreAcrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer is a synthetic copolymer. A film-forming function is not proof that there are no particles in the formulation, and the name alone cannot establish a microplastics verdict.
Read moreSodium Polyacrylate
Acrylate / vinyl polymer
Sodium Polyacrylate is a synthetic acrylic polymer salt. Its complete name identifies a polymer, but does not establish crosslinking, particle size, concentration, degradation or the physical form of the finished cosmetic.
Read more