Sodium Polyacrylate

Sodium Polyacrylate molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Sodium Polyacrylate?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sodium Polyacrylate is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults (men and women), sodium polyacrylate used on the skin is generally low risk. It’s a common ingredient that helps thicken products and holds moisture. Most safety panels find it safe when products are made correctly.

✅What to Do

Use products that list this ingredient as part of a finished formula from trusted brands. Do a small patch test on your inner forearm before using a new product. Don’t apply products with this ingredient to open cuts, sores, or raw skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose rinse-off formulas or lower-concentration products and stop use if you get redness, itching, or irritation.

⚠️Warnings

There are notes from regulatory reviews about possible contamination with acrylic acid — that is the main concern to watch for. Also, some reviews flagged potential organ-system effects in certain assessments. Because of that, avoid products of unknown origin, and don’t use items that look poorly labeled or contain unlisted additives. If you notice persistent irritation, swelling, or any unusual reaction, stop using the product and see a healthcare provider. (Information reflected from regulatory and industry safety reviews including Environment Canada, the U.S. FDA, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel.)

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies this material as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and gives it a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or heavy exposure could harm organs (for example liver, kidneys, or lungs).
Irritant: Industry safety reviewers note the ingredient should be used only when formulated to avoid irritation, and the ingredient data flags possible contamination with acrylic acid (a known skin and respiratory irritant). Because of that, products containing it may cause skin redness, itching, or rashes—especially on very sensitive baby skin.
Long-Term Risk: The U.S. FDA records this material for limited uses in food and as a food additive with only limited toxicity data. That means people can get exposed from more than one source (food plus topical products), so small exposures can add up over time and raise longer-term health concern.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Sodium Polyacrylate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

sodium polyacrylateFT-0621879POLY(ACRYLIC ACID SODIUM SALT) POWDER MW~50002-PROPENOIC ACID SODIUM SALT; ACRYLIC ACID SODIUM SALTR624POLY(ACRYLIC ACID SODIUM SALT) AVERAGE 30 WT. % IN H2OJ-523991CAS-7446-81-3POLY(ACRYLIC ACID SODIUM SALT)50 WT. % IN H2OO749Q15632837

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Sodium Polyacrylate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Sodium Polyacrylate or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Sodium Polyacrylate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Sensitisation to the acrylate co-polymers glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid co-polymer, sodium polyacrylate and acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate cross-polymer (Carbopol®) is rare.

PMID: 39187930PubMed ↗

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Sodium Polyacrylate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Sodium Polyacrylate

Is this safe for adults to use Sodium Polyacrylate?

Yes, Sodium Polyacrylate is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Sodium Polyacrylate for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the irritant risks of Sodium Polyacrylate for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the long-term risk risks of Sodium Polyacrylate for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Sodium Polyacrylate?

Sodium Polyacrylate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Sodium Polyacrylate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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