Rate My SPF

Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer

What Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer is & what it does

Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked copolymer used as a thickening and emulsion-stabilizing agent. In sunscreen and skincare formulas it builds viscosity and gives gels and lotions a smooth, stable texture, helping keep the other ingredients evenly dispersed. It works across a wide pH range and tolerates electrolytes, which makes it popular in modern lightweight, fast-absorbing products.

Is Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer safe?

Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer is a synthetic film-forming and thickening polymer that is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It stays on the surface of the skin and is used in small amounts. Sensitive skin rarely reacts to it, but a patch test is always reasonable.

What does Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer do in skincare?

Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent that helps control a product's texture and wear. In sunscreens it can support an even, longer-lasting film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than an active skincare ingredient.

Is Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer natural or synthetic?

Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer is a fully synthetic ingredient, a crosslinked copolymer of acrylic acid and vinylpyrrolidone (VP). It is manufactured for consistent performance as a polymer. It is not derived from natural sources.

Sunscreens with Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients