Glyceryl Polyacrylate
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Lubrajel-type polymer
What it is
Glyceryl polyacrylate is an acrylic polymer network built around glycerin, so it behaves as a hydrogel: it thickens the water phase while also carrying a large amount of glycerin-bound water with it. Formulators use it for a distinctive silky, wet slip in gel masks and hydrating essences.
How it shows up on a label
Closely related to Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer; the two are separate INCI names from the same family of hydrogel raw materials.
What it does well
Combines thickening with a water-holding, cushioned skin feel
The glycerin bound into the polymer gives lasting surface hydration and slip without oils, which suits gel and hydrogel textures aimed at oily or combination skin.
Moderate evidence
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
Not restricted for cosmetic use in the EU. It is named in no annex of the Cosmetics Regulation. The nearest class entry, Annex III entry 66, caps residual acrylamide in polyacrylamides; this is a polymer of acrylic acid carrying no acrylamide units, so that entry does not reach it.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 - no annex entry; Annex III entry 66 (polyacrylamides) does not reach an acrylic-acid polymer · source ↗
