Is sodium polyacrylate in cosmetics bad for your skin?

Sodium polyacrylate, also used in diapers

If you look at the back of a cosmetic product, you may see an ingredient called "sodium polyacrylate."

This is a synthetic polymer that absorbs water very well. It is also called a "superabsorbent polymer" and is used in baby diapers and sanitary napkins.

The polymer can absorb 200 to 1,000 times its own weight in water and turn the water into a gel. This characteristic makes it possible to create leak-proof baby diapers.

The fact that all the ingredients are listed as "sodium polyacrylate" means that the same substance is also used in cosmetics.
But why are the same ingredients found in diapers in cosmetics?

For those with babies, here is another article:
How to Choose Safe Wet Wipes: For those who want to avoid unnecessary chemicals

Why sodium polyacrylate is used in cosmetics

Sodium polyacrylate is often used in skin care products because it has the following functions:

Thickener

It makes the texture of lotions, milky lotions and creams smoother. It can also create a luxurious, rich feel and a viscous texture.

Stabilizers

It helps maintain the ideal consistency and texture of cosmetics, preventing separation and settling, and also improves shelf life.

Improves stretch

Cosmetics containing sodium polyacrylate spread better on the skin, allowing it to be applied smoothly without leaving blemishes, and improving the feel when used.

Film formation

They are sometimes added to create an artificial thin film on the skin to help support a protective barrier.

In addition, sodium polyacrylate is cheaper than natural polymers. In other words, because it is highly functional and inexpensive, it is a component that manufacturers find highly useful.

Does it have any adverse effects on the skin?

Sodium polyacrylate is generally considered safe for use on the skin. Only a few people have an allergic reaction to it, so most people can use it safely.

However, sodium polyacrylate does not have any beauty benefits. In other words, it is an ingredient that is "not bad for the skin, but not good for the skin either."

Although it is not bad for the skin, there is one thing that concerns me when I look at the US EWG rating .

This may be due to the presence of a substance called acrylic acid remaining in the ingredients. Acrylic acid is a chemical used in cosmetics, but it has been pointed out that there is a risk of acute toxicity when repeatedly applied to the skin.

Naturally, the amount contained in cosmetics is very small, so there may not be any need to worry. However, what would happen if you were to use cosmetics every day that contain multiple ingredients that may contain acrylic acid, including sodium polyacrylate?

This is a concern, but at present there is a lack of safety data on the long-term daily use of multiple cosmetic products, so it is unclear.

Synthetic polymers other than sodium polyacrylate

A variety of synthetic polymers are used in cosmetics.

PEG and carbomer are used as thickeners and gelling agents. PVP and VA copolymers are used to stiffen hair and give firmness to wrinkles. There is also an ingredient called polyquaternium , which is added to hair care products to improve the feel and manageability of hair.

It is generally believed that individual synthetic polymers do not have any adverse effects on the skin when viewed individually.
However, our skin comes into contact with large amounts of synthetic polymers every day.

Just as sodium polyacrylate contains acrylic acid, other synthetic polymers may also have their own invisible risks.

Since it's something you use every day, it might be a good idea to take another look at whether you're choosing safer cosmetics.