Thickener

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer

A synthetic superabsorbent polymer of a new generation. It absorbs water up to 300x its own weight, forming stable gels even in the presence of salts and electrolytes. The basis for lightweight water gels, serums, BB creams, and SPF formulas with an elegant texture.

SuperabsorbentGelling agentSPF textureLightweight cream

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer encompasses several INCI names: it can be a copolymer of acrylic acid/sodium acrylate (simple), or include acrylamide and AMPS monomers. Superabsorbent properties: ionic groups in the chain bind large amounts of water osmotically. Unlike carbomer, it is stable in the presence of salts and electrolytes (important for SPF formulas with mineral filters). Does not require neutralization. INCI: Sodium Acrylates Copolymer. Trade names: Simulgel, Sepimax Zen, Carbopol Ultrez, etc.

Lightweight water gels, gel serums, BB creams, and SPF formulas — where a light texture without greasiness and stability to electrolytes (ZnO, TiO₂, UV filters) is needed.

Key Benefits

✦

Stability in the presence of salts and mineral filters

Classic carbomer "clumps" and loses structure when salts or ZnO/TiO₂ (electrolytes) are added. Sodium Acrylates Copolymer maintains the gel structure even with 20%+ ZnO — which is why it is the basis for most "mineral sunscreen" with a lightweight texture. Without this copolymer, mineral sunscreens would be paste-like or separated.

◈

Superabsorption and fresh feeling on the skin

By absorbing water up to 300x its own weight, sodium acrylates copolymer forms a gel that provides a "watery" cooling sensation upon contact with the skin. Instantly absorbs, leaving no greasy layer. This "watery" feeling is especially popular in Korean and Japanese cosmetics (aqua gels, water cream). Application feels like water, the final result — hydration without heaviness.

✧

Sensory revolution — hydro-gel and water-cream texture

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer has replaced carbomer in many modern formulas due to better texture and salt tolerance. Sepimax Zen (Seppic) and Simulgel (Seppic) are based on this copolymer. These systems allow for the creation of "self-emulsifying" formulas without traditional emulsifiers — thinner technology, more elegant feel.

Suitable for

For oily skinFor combination skinFor all skin types

Main Actions

✓ Gelling (salt-tolerant)✓ Superabsorption✓ Lightweight watery texture

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer in SPF formulas

The most popular lightweight mineral sunscreens (Purito, Isntree, COSRX, etc.) use sodium acrylates copolymer instead of carbomer. This solves the main problem of zinc sunscreens — "clumping" and separation when adding ZnO. The result: lightweight, pleasant, invisible ZnO sunscreens — a technological revolution in the mineral SPF segment.

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