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The ingredient, explained

Polyacrylic Acid

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

BindingEmulsion stabilisingFilm formingViscosity controlling
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Binding
Helps the components of a product hold together.
Emulsion stabilising
Helps keep an emulsion from separating.
Film forming
Leaves a continuous layer on skin, hair or nails after application.
Viscosity controlling
Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human mucosal treatment study

Polyacrylic-acid lubricant improved self-reported lubrication, sexual-function and pain domains compared with lubricant control.

What this does not tell us

Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy context and vaginal route, not facial skin benefit. 80 total participants across four arms, not 80 in acid arm.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 24612478 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 4 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer

INCI name on ingredient lists
POLYACRYLIC ACID
CAS registry number
9003-01-4

Sources for this ingredient record