Ingredient dictionary

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a film-forming polymer that helps thicken formulas and gives them a smooth, even texture. It is on the label of 23 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 does

Builds thickness and body in gels and creams
Forms a thin, flexible film on skin or hair
Helps keep formulas smooth and evenly textured

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 belongs to the acrylate family of polymers. Each polymer is a long chain of small repeating units, and a crosslinker ties those chains together into a network. This network is what gives the ingredient its thickening and film-forming power.

Formulators use it to add body, control how thick a product feels, and help it spread evenly. As the water in a product evaporates, the polymer network can leave a thin, flexible film on skin or hair. It is common in shampoos, cleansers, acne treatments and eye creams, where a smooth, well-balanced texture matters.

Good for

Suits anyone who likes smooth, well-textured shampoos, cleansers, and eye creams.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated and is used in many skincare and haircare products. Anyone with sensitive skin can still react to any ingredient, so patch testing a new product on a small area first is a good habit.

Why is it in my shampoo or eye cream?

Formulators add it for texture and body. It helps a product feel smooth, keeps the formula from feeling watery, and can help other ingredients stay evenly spread. It is not there to treat anything, just to shape how the product feels and works.