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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.

Related ingredients

Acrylates Copolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

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

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Acrylates Crosspolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

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

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Carbomer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

Cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.

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Polyacrylate

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

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

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