Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid — essentially polyacrylic acid (similar to carbomer) with glycerin groups attached at intervals. It forms a hydrogel (commercially known as Lubrajel) that can sit on the skin surface and deliver water-soluble moisturizing ingredients. It also functions as a thickening/viscosity-controlling agent and imparts a slippery skin feel.
The hydrogel matrix acts like a thin wet sponge, delivering moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin to the skin. The pendant glycerol groups draw water to the skin, providing hydration. It additionally contributes to product texture by acting as a thickener.
The source notes that acrylic acid monomer is considered hazardous due to skin absorption, but once polymerized into the large copolymer molecule this concern is described as no longer significant. No additional contraindications are mentioned in the source.
