Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a chemical compound, copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Glyceryl"  refers to a derivative of glycerol, which is a simple compound commonly used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties.
• "Acrylate" refers to the salts and esters of acrylic acid.
• "Acrylic Acid" is an unsaturated organic acid. Both are monomers commonly used in forming polymers.
• "Copolymer" indicates that the product is a polymer formed from two different monomers, in this case, glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Glycerol - A trihydric alcohol often derived from vegetable oils.
• Acrylic Acid - An unsaturated organic acid containing a double bond.
• Catalyst - Often used to facilitate the polymerization reaction.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Preparation - Glycerol is converted to glyceryl acrylate through an esterification reaction.
• Polymerization - Glyceryl acrylate is then copolymerized with acrylic acid in the presence of a catalyst.
• Purification - Once the reaction is complete, the product is purified to remove impurities and unreacted monomers.
• Drying - The copolymer is then dried to remove water and other solvents.

It occurs as a colorless to yellow liquid.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Applicazioni commerciali

Cosmetics. Used in creams, lotions, and serums as a moisturizing agent and to form a protective film on the skin (1).

Hair Care Products. Incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to form a film on the hair, enhancing its appearance and protecting it from external aggressions.

Makeup. Added to foundations and primers to improve the hold and longevity of makeup on the skin.

Sun Care Products. Used in sunscreens to form a uniform film on the skin, ensuring even distribution of protective ingredients.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Isaac, V. L., Moraes, J. D., Chiari, B. G., Guglielmi, D. A., Cefali, L. C., Rissi, N. C., & Corrêa, M. A. (2013). Determination of the real influence of the addition of four thickening agents in creams using rheological measurements. Journal of dispersion science and technology, 34(4), 532-538.

Abstract. This study aimed to characterize different emulsions obtained by the addition of four thickening agents, using rheological measurements, beyond analyzing the emulsions by polarized light microscopy looking for liquid crystals on them. The addition of these four thickening agents did not modify the base emulsion rheology, only an improvement in the sensory of the formulation was verified. The polarized light microscopy showed the formation of liquid crystalline structures in all the formulations, thus, the thickening agents did not influence in this parameter too. However, the emulsions could be considered appropriated for cosmetic purposes, probably being highly physically stable.