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Sodium Polyacrylate

What Sodium Polyacrylate is & what it does

A highly efficient thickener and water-binder that gels formulas at low levels and gives a smooth, slippery glide. It also helps stabilize emulsions.

What is Sodium Polyacrylate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Sodium Polyacrylate is a thickener and water-binder, a polymer that gels a formula at very low levels and holds large amounts of water. In sunscreen it builds a smooth, cushiony texture, helps suspend pigments and filters, and stabilizes the emulsion so it does not separate. It also gives a slippery, soft glide on application.

Is Sodium Polyacrylate safe?

Yes. It is a widely used, well-tolerated polymer that works on the skin surface and is not absorbed. It is non-irritating for most people at the small amounts used to thicken a formula. It is the same family of super-absorbent polymer used to bind water in many everyday products.

Does Sodium Polyacrylate clog pores?

Generally no. It is a water-loving polymer used purely to thicken and bind water, not an oil or wax, and it is not flagged as comedogenic in our data. It sits on the surface and rinses away easily. It is an unlikely cause of clogged pores.

Is Sodium Polyacrylate a preservative?

No. Sodium Polyacrylate is a thickener and water-binder, not a preservative, and it does nothing to stop microbes growing. The preserving in a sunscreen is handled by ingredients like phenoxyethanol or ethylhexylglycerin. Sodium Polyacrylate is there only to control texture and hold water.

What is Sodium Polyacrylate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Sodium Polyacrylate" is the INCI name as printed on the label. It is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid, a gelling polymer used to thicken and stabilize. It usually appears low on the list, since a little goes a long way.

Sunscreens with Sodium Polyacrylate

We rate 446 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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