Ingredient dictionary

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

A synthetic polymer that thickens and stabilizes formulas, giving lotions, gels and creams their smooth body and keeping oil and water blended. It is on the label of 105 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer does

Thickens the formula and adds body
Helps keep oil and water blended
Gives a smooth, stable gel or cream feel

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is made from acrylic acid and long-chain acrylate esters, with the C10-30 part referring to alkyl chains of 10 to 30 carbon atoms. The polymer chains are linked into a loose network.

Formulators like it because a small amount builds a lot of thickness. It works best once a base is added to raise the pH, which measures how acidic or basic a formula is. The network then swells and holds water, giving a smooth, slightly slippery texture that feels light rather than greasy. It also helps keep particles and oils evenly spread through the product.

Good for

Suits people who like light, smooth textures, and it often appears in moisturizers, sunscreens and mascara.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer safe?

It is widely used in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated. Our ingredient checks flag no family for it. As with any ingredient, a person with a known sensitivity should read the full label and patch test a new product first.

Is it the same as carbomer?

No. Both are acrylic-based thickeners, so they share a family resemblance. This one includes long alkyl chains, which change how it behaves. Many formulators choose it for formulas that contain salts, where some other thickeners thin out.