Ingredient deep-dive

Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Solid plastic microparticle used as an opacifier and to give body wash and shampoo their pearly look. One of the microplastics the EU restriction was specifically written to capture in rinse-off products.

Where it appears

Body wash and shower gel (as opacifier / pearliser)
Shampoo and conditioner
Liquid hand soap
Face wash and cleansers

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Captured as a synthetic polymer microparticle under EU 2023/2055; opacifier use in rinse-off products restricted from October 2023.

United States

No federal cosmetic restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Mica for pearl effect
Titanium dioxide as opacifier
Unpearlised clear formulas

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Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, common questions

Is Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer a microplastic?

Yes. Solid plastic microparticle used as an opacifier and to give body wash and shampoo their pearly look. One of the microplastics the EU restriction was specifically written to capture in rinse-off products.

Is Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer banned?

EU: Captured as a synthetic polymer microparticle under EU 2023/2055; opacifier use in rinse-off products restricted from October 2023. US: No federal cosmetic restriction.

What can I use instead of Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Mica for pearl effect; Titanium dioxide as opacifier; Unpearlised clear formulas.

What products contain Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer?

Commonly found in: Body wash and shower gel (as opacifier / pearliser); Shampoo and conditioner; Liquid hand soap; Face wash and cleansers.