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Hydroxyethyl Acrylate

What Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is & what it does

A popular thickener and emulsion stabilizer that gives a light, velvety, fast-absorbing feel. It works across a broad pH range with good stability.

What does Hydroxyethyl Acrylate do in skincare?

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is a building-block monomer used to make film-forming and thickening polymers for cosmetics. In a finished formula it typically appears as part of a larger polymer or copolymer that helps stabilize and texturize the product. On its own it is a raw material rather than a standalone skincare active.

Is Hydroxyethyl Acrylate natural or synthetic?

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is a synthetic chemical, produced industrially as an acrylate monomer. It is not plant-derived and is used mainly to create cosmetic polymers. It is best described as a fully synthetic ingredient.

Is Hydroxyethyl Acrylate safe?

In cosmetics, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is generally used in a reacted, polymerized form rather than as the free monomer, which limits exposure. Finished products are formulated to keep residual monomer low. People who know they are sensitive to acrylates may wish to check labels and patch test.

Sunscreens with Hydroxyethyl Acrylate

We rate 9 sunscreens that contain it:

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