Clarification on INCI Name for ThickClean™: Acrylates Copolymer vs. Acrylates Crosspolymer
Question
I am reviewing the product information for ThickClean™ (ID: 7994). The technical information page lists the ingredient as Acrylates Copolymer, but the INCI information or product description mentions Acrylates Crosspolymer. Could you please confirm the correct official INCI name for this specific thickening agent? Is the difference between Acrylates Copolymer and Acrylates Crosspolymer purely a naming difference, or does it reflect a fundamental difference in the polymer structure (e.g., cross-linkage)?
Answer
The official INCI name for ThickClean™ (ID: 7994) is Acrylates Copolymer.
The product data confirms this:
- Product Name: ThickClean™ (Acrylates Copolymer, eq. Carbopol SF-1)
- INCI Name (listed): Acrylates Copolymer
- Composition (database): ACRYLATES COPOLYMER
The confusion arises because the product description refers to it as a "Thickening agent (gel) type Acrylates Crosspolymer" and mentions a "cross-linkage mechanism."
While the product's function (especially its ability to suspend beads) is characteristic of cross-linked polymers (crosspolymers), the official INCI designation for this specific raw material is Acrylates Copolymer. The term "Acrylates Crosspolymer" in the description appears to be a general descriptive term for the type of polymer technology it uses, but the correct, legally required INCI name for labeling purposes is Acrylates Copolymer.
In short, the difference is not just in the name; Acrylates Copolymer is the correct INCI name for this specific product, despite the descriptive text mentioning the broader category of "Acrylates Crosspolymer."
