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Styrene Acrylates Copolymer

The creamy look-maker.

What it does

A plastic-based polymer that makes body washes look milky and opaque. It can also form a thin film.

Good to know

In 2018, EU scientists (SCCS) couldn't confirm the tiny "nano" form was safe for lack of data, so the EU banned that form. The regular form isn't limited.

Often found in: Shower gels, Shampoos, Sunscreens

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: EU: the nano form is banned. The regular form has no special limit. UK: no special limit. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• SCCS opinion: Styrene/acrylates copolymer (nano) and sodium styrene/acrylates copolymer (nano) (2018) (Independent)
• CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymer and 33 Related Cosmetic Ingredients (2002) (Industry-funded)