Good Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Sodium Polyacrylate

INCI: SODIUM POLYACRYLATE

CAS Number

9003-04-7

Function

Rheology modifier, thickener, superabsorbent agent

Safety Rating

GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted

EU Max Conc. Insoluble grades restricted. Leave-on ban 17 October 2029; rinse-off ban 17 October 2027.

🇺🇸 US Status permitted

US Notes No US federal restriction. Widely used in leave-on cosmetics and personal care.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)

adequate

Dermal Absorption

negligible

Sensitization

none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word

WARNING

Pictograms

cancer;health haz

Hazard Statements

May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled

Short-term Exposure Effects

May cause mechanical irritation.

Long-term Exposure Effects

Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause effects on the lungs.

Routes of Exposure

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Pre-neutralized sodium polyacrylate offers instant thickening without pH adjustment. Use level 0.5-3.0%. Limitations include poor electrolyte tolerance and EU REACH SPM restriction on insoluble grades with leave-on reformulation deadline of October 2029. Consider crosslinked HEC or sclerotium gum blends for EU-compliant alternatives.

⚠️

Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

eu-microplastic-restriction reach-2023-2055 leave-on-ban-2029 rinse-off-ban-2027 synthetic-polymer non-biodegradable superabsorbent electrolyte-sensitive reformulation-required derogation-5 eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Polyacrylate safe in cosmetics?

Is Sodium Polyacrylate allowed in the EU?

Sodium Polyacrylate EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Insoluble grades restricted. Leave-on ban 17 October 2029; rinse-off ban 17 October 2027.. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Sodium Polyacrylate do in cosmetics?

Sodium Polyacrylate functions as: Rheology modifier, thickener, superabsorbent agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9003-04-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sodium Polyacrylate?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Is Sodium Polyacrylate classified as hazardous under GHS?

Sodium Polyacrylate carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.