SODIUM POLYACRYLATE

Sodium polyacrylate is a super absorbent polymer derived from polyacrylic acid, specifically the sodium salt variant. With the remarkable ability to absorb water at a rate of 100 to 1000 times its own weight, it owes this exceptional absorbency to its sodium composition.

When sodium polyacrylate comes into contact with water, the water molecules interact with the sodium ions in the polymer. These interactions cause the polymer chains to swell and unfold, creating a network of interconnected spaces within the polymer structure.

As a result, the sodium polyacrylate can absorb and retain a large amount of water relative to its own mass. Apart from its water absorption properties, sodium polyacrylate also functions as a thickening agent in water-based formulations. Due to these characteristics, it is widely utilized in various consumer products, including cosmetics and personal care items.

What is SODIUM POLYACRYLATE used for?

Sodium polyacrylate is a super-absorbent polymer that works as a thickener, and emulsifier in cosmetics. It increases the viscosity of products and improves their texture.

• l Body care: It functions as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, film-forming agent, and emulsion stabilizer. In water-based solutions, the sodium ions in sodium polyacrylate are free to move since positively charged hydrogen ions replace them. This means that instead of an organized polymer chain, a gel forms. As the gel absorbs water it helps to thicken the formulation. As a texture enhancer, sodium polyacrylate contributes to the smooth, glossy appearance of products. It keeps the texture of a product soft and supple while also conditioning the skin. It also creates a thin film on the skin’s surface, thereby protecting it, and can stabilize emulsions.

• l Agriculture : Sodium polyacrylate is used in agriculture as a soil amendment to improve water retention in soil. It can help reduce the frequency of watering by absorbing and releasing water as needed, promoting healthier plant growth.

• l Industrial Applications: Sodium polyacrylate is utilized in various industrial processes such as wastewater treatment, oil drilling, and as a moisture absorbent in packaging materials to prevent moisture damage.

Source

Sodium polyacrylate is produced by polymerizing acrylic acid and hydrolysis of the polyacrylic acid with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.

What does SODIUM POLYACRYLATE do in a formulation?

l Absorbent

l Emulsion stabilising

l Film forming

l Hair fixing

l Skin conditioning

l Viscosity controlling

Safety profile

Sodium polyacrylate is determined to be safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) panel.

Technical profile

Six specific areas of cosmetics include:

lFind or determine the HSP values of ingredients used in cosmetic formulations

lEnsure compatibility between these ingredients

lOptimizes the controlled delivery of active substances through the skin

lDetermine solvent evaporation rate faster

lEstimation of nail polish solubility by HSP

lFaster formation of particulate polymer dispersions

When analyzing the key ingredient sodium polyacrylate in skin care products (whether it is known from a supplier or in-house), HSP distance calculations are often used. Common tasks include finding a good solvent (or mixture) or ensuring formulation compatibility with various between ingredients) become more reasonable and efficient to find the best combination of finished skin care products. The resulting product allows for optimal skin absorption.