Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer is a film-forming polymer used in UK beauty products to help makeup and nail polish stay put longer. It creates a flexible, breathable layer on skin, hair or nails that improves wear time and resists smudging or chipping. You’ll most often find it in long-wear foundations, mascaras, eyeliners and nail lacquers.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare this synthetic copolymer functions primarily as a film former and suspending agent. Once applied it dries to form a thin, flexible film that helps pigments and active ingredients adhere evenly to the skin or nail surface while resisting water, oils and friction. It also stabilises emulsions and prevents settling of particles in liquid formulations, delivering smoother application and longer-lasting performance without feeling tight or uncomfortable.
Key benefits
- Improves longevity of makeup and nail colour
- Creates a flexible, non-cracking film
- Enhances water and transfer resistance
- Helps pigments adhere evenly
- Gives a smooth, even finish to formulations
- Stabilises liquid products so they apply consistently
Best for
all skin types, oily skin, combination skin, normal skin
Where it comes from
This ingredient is fully synthetic and produced through polymerisation of styrene, acrylic acid derivatives and ammonium methacrylate in a controlled laboratory environment. It does not come from any plant, mineral or animal source.
Products with Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.