Is Polyacrylic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Polyacrylic Acid has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted. 3 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Polyacrylic Acid
Also known as: Acrylic acid, polymers, Acrylic acid homopolymer, Acrylic acid polymer, Acrylic acid resin, Poly(acrylic acid)-butyl acrylate-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer complex (+15 more)
INCI: POLYACRYLIC ACID
Polyacrylic Acid (CAS 9003-01-4) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Viscosity controlling (thickener/gelling agent); also known by trade names. Reported NOAEL =53 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 9003-01-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Polyacrylic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H315, H319, H335, H340, H350) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Viscosity controlling (thickener/gelling agent); also known by trade names Carbomer 934/940
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR reviewed (2002) — safe as used when formulated to avoid skin irritation
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Polyacrylic Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
3 study endpoints found for Polyacrylic Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =53 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =240 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =460 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
19, Sup 7
Evaluation Year
1987
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100 - 1,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Binder
Biocide
Chelating agent
Corrosion inhibitor
Defoamer
Dispersing agent
Emulsifier
Film former
Flow promoter
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Polyacrylic Acid.
Regulatory Flags
epa_safer_alternative
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Polyacrylic Acid by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
3
Lowest NOAEL
53 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
460 mg/kg bw/day
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
Known Synonyms
Acrylic acid, polymers
Acrylic acid homopolymer
Acrylic acid polymer
Acrylic acid resin
Poly(acrylic acid)-butyl acrylate-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer complex
2-Propenic acid homopolymer, Polyacrylic acid, Carboxypolymethylene
Poly(acrylic acid)
2-Propenoic Acid, Polymer
ACRYLIC ACID, OLIGOMERS
POLYACRYLATE
POLYACRYLIC ACID HOMOPOLYMER
Alcosperse 409
Alcoprint PTF-Z 328
Aquatreat AR 4
Aqualic HL 415
Carboxypolymethylene
Synocure 866EEP75
Three Bond 1131
Versicol E 15
Turfine P 20
Chemical Function
Dispersing agent
Binder
Thickening agent
Regulatory Lists
SCIL (9/2019)
CEDI
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - liniment
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyacrylic Acid allowed in the EU?
Polyacrylic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Polyacrylic Acid do in cosmetics?
Polyacrylic Acid functions as: Viscosity controlling (thickener/gelling agent); also known by trade names Carbomer 934/940. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9003-01-4.
What is the NOAEL for Polyacrylic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Polyacrylic Acid is =53 mg/kg bw/day based on a reproduction developmental study via oral route in Rat. A total of 3 study endpoints are available. Source: ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID.
Is Polyacrylic Acid used outside cosmetics?
Polyacrylic Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Polyacrylic Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Polyacrylic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H315, H319, H335, H340, H350) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Compliance Tools
Check Polyacrylic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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