Sodium Polyacrylate

Softens and smooths.

What it is

A polymer made in a lab, meaning a long chain of repeating units. It soaks up water and swells into a gel.

Thickens the product and helps keep its oil and water parts from separating.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

Softens and smoothsOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning - emollient

Helps oil and water mixOfficial EU function: Emulsion stabilising

Keeps skin in good conditionOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning

Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Viscosity controlling

Forms a light filmOfficial EU function: Film forming

Helps hair hold its styleOfficial EU function: Hair fixing

Absorbs oil and moistureOfficial EU function: Absorbent