What is sodium acrylate copolymer？

Sodium acrylate copolymers are synthetic polymers derived from acrylic acid-based salts, used as texture enhancers, binders, and film-formers in cosmetics. They are sodium salts of polymers composed of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or one of their simple esters. High purity sodium acrylate copolymers are non-toxic, and the primary consideration for toxicity is contamination. It can be used in wastewater treatment, flocculation treatment in food processing, tap water treatment, and production.

Uses and applications of sodium acrylate copolymers include cosmetic and pharmaceutical thickeners, antistatic agents in cosmetics, film formers, boiler water additives (food contact), anionic coagulants for water treatment, mineral flotation inhibitors, drilling mud enhancers, processing aids, direct food additives, coagulants in beet juice clarification, fouling control agents in beet or sugar cane juices and liquids, food packaging adhesives, and Acrylic plastics for food packaging, etc.

Why would Safe Cosmetics Australia [SCA] consider this chemical toxic?

Because the SCA is concerned about the contamination of the chemical that generates the sodium acrylate copolymer, which is the main reason the SCA does not support the use of this chemical. Acrylates are produced from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, which raise health and safety contamination concerns. Acrylic acid is a severe irritant and corrosive to the skin and respiratory tract.

The EU classifies acrylic acid as toxic or hazardous when used on the skin, mouth, lips, and products that may be aerosolized (airborne). Eye contact may cause severe and irreversible damage. Low exposures have little or no health effects, while high exposures can lead to pulmonary edema. Methacrylic acid is restricted in Canadian cosmetics and is listed on Environment Canada's Domestic Substances List as expected to be toxic or hazardous.