Sodium Polyacrylate
Also known as Sodium polyacrylate, Poly(sodium acrylate), Acrylic acid, sodium salt polymer, Sodium salt of polyacrylic acid
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid, a high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer used as a thickener, viscosity-increasing agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetics. The CIR Expert Panel assessed Sodium Polyacrylate as part of the 126 acrylates copolymers group (IJT 21(Suppl 3):1-50, 2002), concluding it is safe in cosmetics at present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating; the conclusion was updated in the December 2018 Final Report. The polymer's large molecular weight (~1,000–5,000+ kDa) precludes significant dermal absorption, making systemic toxicity at cosmetic use levels negligible.
Effective thickener and viscosity modifier at low use concentrations
High molecular weight prevents dermal penetration; systemic exposure at topical cosmetic use is negligible
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating:1-50, 2002; Final Report 12/2018)
- · Potential skin irritation if formulated at high concentration or with incompatible pH; SQ qualification requires non-irritating formulation
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — SODIUM POLYACRYLATE row: Finding=SQ, Citation=IJT 21(Suppl 3):1-50, 2002; Final Report 12/20…
“Sodium Polyacrylate | SQ | The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 126 acrylates copolymers are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating..Sodium Polyacrylate... | IJT 21(Suppl 3):1-50, 2002;Final Report 12/2018 Available from CIR”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 524