Styrene Acrylates Copolymer
Also known as Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Styrene acrylate copolymer
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer is a high-molecular-weight film-forming polymer used as an opacifier and film former in cosmetics. The CIR Expert Panel assessed Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer as part of the Safety Assessment of Styrene and Vinyl-type Styrene Copolymers (Final Report October 2, 2014), concluding it is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics. Residual styrene monomer in trade name materials was measured at <100 ppm; the Panel concluded these levels are substantially below levels of concern at cosmetic use concentrations, and no use restriction was imposed. PubMed searches returned no ingredient-specific published studies.
Film former and opacifying agent in cosmetics
High molecular weight precludes significant dermal absorption; systemic exposure at cosmetic use levels negligible
Non-genotoxic in Ames test (multiple trade name Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer materials)
Non-irritant and non-sensitizer in human 21-day cumulative irritation and repeat insult patch tests
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe in present practices of use and concentration (Final Report 9/2014); plain S finding with no qualifying conditions
Residual styrene monomer (IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen) may be present at <100 ppm in trade name materials; CIR Panel concluded levels are substantially below levels of concern at cosmetic use concentrations
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER row: Finding=S, Citation=Final Report 9/2014 Available from CIR
“Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer | S | | Final Report 9/2014 Available from CIR”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 32