Acrylates Copolymer in Cleansers: Function, Clogging, and Foaming
Question
What are the functions of Acrylates Copolymer in facial cleansing products, does it cause clogging, and does it act as a foaming agent in children's products?
Answer
Hello,
Based on the information retrieved, including the descriptions of some products within the Acrylates Copolymer group, we can better understand their properties and uses.
As explained previously, Acrylates Copolymer is a group of various polymer types with differing properties and uses.
Generally, Acrylates Copolymer used in facial cleansing products functions as a thickener or suspending agent to adjust the product's viscosity and help other ingredients, such as beads or pearlescent pigments, disperse well within the formula without settling.
For example, the product ThickClean™ (Acrylates Copolymer) (which has the INCI Name Acrylates Crosspolymer, a type of Acrylates Copolymer) is specifically designed for use as a thickener in shampoos, liquid soaps, or cleansers.
Answering your questions:
- Clogging in facial cleansing products: For Acrylates Copolymer used in rinse-off facial cleansing products like cleansing gels or foams, it generally does not cause significant clogging. This is because these substances are washed away with dirt and water during rinsing. Clogging is typically more of an issue with leave-on products. However, individual skin responses may vary, and it also depends on the concentration of the substance in the formula and ensuring thorough rinsing.
- Function as a foaming agent in children's products: Acrylates Copolymer generally does not act as a primary foaming agent. Its main function is thickening or helping the formula remain stable. The substances responsible for creating foam in cleansing products are various types of surfactants. Acrylates Copolymer might be used in conjunction with surfactants to help improve the texture of the foam or make it more stable, but it does not create the foam itself.
Therefore, if Acrylates Copolymer is used in a rinse-off facial cleanser and the face is rinsed thoroughly, the likelihood of clogging is low. Also, this substance is not the primary foaming agent in cleansing products.
Updated Review: May 2026
This section was added after reviewing the original answer against current product availability and formulation knowledge at the stated point in time.
Update as of 2026-05-31: Current catalog information lists ThickClean™ (Acrylates Copolymer, eq. Carbopol SF-1) with INCI/Composition as Acrylates Copolymer. It remains positioned as a thickening/suspending additive for rinse-off products such as shampoo, liquid soap, and cleansers, not as a primary foaming agent. Current internal specs list a use range of 0.10–5.00% and recommended pH range 4–6. Therefore, the earlier practical conclusion remains the same: in a rinse-off cleanser that is rinsed thoroughly, Acrylates Copolymer is mainly used for viscosity/suspension and is not expected to be a main cause of pore clogging, although individual skin response and the complete formula still matter.
