The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (formerly the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel) reviewed available scientific data supporting the safety of sodium acrylates copolymer and concluded they are safe in cosmetics and personal care products in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating to the skin. This sodium acrylates copolymer is one of many
acrylates copolymers that have undergone extensive research and have been approved for use in cosmetic products "when formulated to avoid irritation."
To prevent residues (also referred to as monomers) that can irritate the skin, this calls for the use of highly purified copolymers. When used to improve texture, stabilize, or suspend ingredients in an emulsion, sodium acrylates copolymer concentrations start at 0.5%. (a mix of oil- and water-soluble ingredients). When the objective is film-forming or binding agent, amounts up to 25% may be used.