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Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer

What Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer is & what it does

Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer is a synthetic polymer built from ethylene, propylene, and styrene monomers. In cosmetics, including some sunscreens, it is used as a viscosity controlling and texturizing agent that helps thicken and stabilize the formula. A notable property is its oil-compatible nature, which makes it useful for structuring anhydrous or oil-rich bases.

What does Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer do in skincare?

Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer is used mainly as a viscosity controlling and texturizing agent. It helps thicken and stabilize a formula, especially oil-rich or anhydrous bases. In some sunscreens it contributes to a structured, even consistency.

Is Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. The ingredient is a polymer built from ethylene, propylene, and styrene monomers in an industrial process. It has no natural plant or animal origin.

Is Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer safe?

Polymers of this type are generally considered safe for topical cosmetic use, where they act as structuring agents rather than active ingredients. They are large molecules that stay on the skin surface. Reactions are uncommon, though a patch test is reasonable if your skin is sensitive.

Sunscreens with Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer

We rate 15 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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