Acrylates Copolymer
Acrylates Copolymer is a versatile synthetic ingredient used in many UK beauty products to help improve texture, hold, and spreadability. It is commonly found in mascaras, foundations, sunscreens, hair gels and lipsticks where it creates a flexible film on skin or hair. Shoppers will recognise it as a reliable helper that makes formulas feel smoother and last longer without feeling heavy.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Acrylates Copolymer functions as a film-forming agent, thickener and emulsion stabiliser. Once applied it dries to form a flexible, breathable layer that helps products adhere better to skin or hair, improving water-resistance and long-wear properties while preventing separation of oil and water phases in creams and lotions.
Key benefits
- Creates a flexible film that improves product longevity
- Enhances texture for smoother application
- Stabilises emulsions to keep formulas consistent
- Provides water-resistant properties in sunscreens and mascaras
- Helps control viscosity for elegant feel
- Improves spreadability without greasiness
Best for
normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Acrylates Copolymer is a fully synthetic polymer created in a laboratory through the polymerisation of acrylic acid and related monomers. It does not come from any plant, mineral or animal source.
Products with Acrylates Copolymer
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Acrylates Copolymer than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.