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Sodium Polyacrylate

Well toleratedThickenerthickenerabsorbentfilm-former

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Sodium Acrylate Polymer · Sodium Salt of Polyacrylic Acid

What it is

Sodium polyacrylate is the neutralised sodium salt of polyacrylic acid and can take up many times its own weight in water, which is why the same chemistry appears in hydrogel mask sheets and in absorbent products generally. In leave-on formulas it is used at low levels as a thickener and film-former that gives a smooth, slightly cushioned slip.

How it shows up on a label

Common in Korean hydrogel and jelly masks, where the polymer is the mask sheet itself rather than an additive to the essence.

What it does well

  • Holds water in the formula and releases it slowly onto skin

    Its very high water-binding capacity is what lets hydrogel masks carry a heavy essence load and stay wet on the face; on skin the resulting film reduces immediate evaporation.

    Moderate evidence

Worth knowing

  • Can feel tight or slightly sticky as it dries

    The film it forms can pull slightly on very dry skin. It is not absorbed into skin and is not associated with irritation at cosmetic use levels.

    Matters most toPeople with very dry skin who dislike a taut finish.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Not restricted for cosmetic use in the EU; it appears in no Annex of the Cosmetics Regulation.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 - no annex entry for sodium polyacrylate; the Polyacrylamides restricted at Annex III entry 66 and the acrylamide monomer prohibited at Annex II entry 681 are different substances · source ↗

Masks that contain Sodium Polyacrylate