INCI: Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 / Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 - Also known as: Sepimax Zen (Crosspolymer-6), Aqua SF-1 (Crosspolymer-11), Acrylate Crosspolymer

QUICK FACTS

What are Polyacrylate Crosspolymer (Crosspolymer-6 / Crosspolymer-11)?

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 and Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 are two distinct crosslinked acrylate polymers used as rheology modifiers in the Sweet Chemistry cream formulas. Each is a three-dimensional polymer network formed by crosslinking acrylate monomers - a structure that gives them their characteristic ability to absorb water and swell into a gel-like state, thickening the water phase of an emulsion while contributing a silky, non-greasy skin feel that distinguishes them from conventional carbomer-based thickeners.

The two variants differ in their crosslink density and their swell behavior in water: Crosspolymer-6 (marketed as Sepimax Zen) is known for its exceptionally light, cushioning texture contribution - producing a soft, velvety skin feel at low concentrations. Crosspolymer-11 (marketed as Aqua SF-1) offers a complementary rheology profile suited to richer, more emollient formulations. The deliberate use of different crosspolymer variants in the Hydra-Cream versus the Lipid-Cream reflects a precise formulation decision: each cream's crosspolymer is chosen to match the texture character of that product rather than using a generic thickener throughout.

Both crosspolymers are silicone-free - a meaningful distinction since the silky skin feel they produce is often associated with silicone derivatives like dimethicone. Their ability to deliver comparable sensory performance through polymer architecture rather than silicone chemistry makes them suited to formulas where silicone avoidance is a formulation priority.

What does it do for skin?

Both polyacrylate crosspolymers' primary contributions are formulation-structural: they help control the viscosity, stability, and application texture of the cream formulas in which they appear. In the context of high-active-concentration creams like the Hydra-Cream (40% actives) and Lipid-Cream (46% actives), maintaining a consistent, elegant application experience while keeping the emulsion stable is a genuine formulation challenge. The crosspolymer's three-dimensional polymer network provides part of this structure alongside carbomer, xanthan gum, and polyvinyl alcohol.

At the skin surface, the crosspolymers contribute their characteristic sensory signature: a smooth, cushioned skin feel at application that does not leave a heavy or occlusive residue. This silky-without-silicone texture is directly relevant to the Hydra-Cream's cushioned satin finish descriptor - the crosspolymer's contribution to the formula's application feel is a meaningful part of what makes both cream textures distinctive and pleasant to use consistently.

The crosspolymers' water-swelling character also contributes to the stability of the emulsion over time, helping to maintain the even distribution of actives throughout the formula's shelf life and use cycle. In formulas where consistent active delivery with every application is the goal, rheology stability is not a cosmetic consideration - it directly supports the formula's core performance promise.

FOUND IN

In 2 Formulas

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is used in the Hydra-Cream and Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 in the Lipid-Cream - each variant selected specifically for the texture and rheology requirements of its formula.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

Crosspolymer-6 contributes the cushioned, velvety texture dimension of the Hydra-Cream's 40%-active emulsion - working within the full rheology system alongside carbomer, xanthan gum, and polyvinyl alcohol to create the formula's distinctive cushioned satin finish.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

Crosspolymer-11 contributes to the texture architecture of the Lipid-Cream's 46%-active emulsion - the highest active concentration in the water-based Sweet Chemistry range - supporting the formula's emollient radiant finish.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

pH-Responsive Thickener Carbomer

INCI: Carbomer.

Present in both cream formulas alongside the polyacrylate crosspolymer. Synergy Note: Carbomer provides pH-responsive thickening while the polyacrylate crosspolymer contributes a silicone-free silky skin-feel dimension - together they form a complementary rheology system that provides both structural stability and sensory elegance.

Natural Polymer Xanthan Gum

INCI: Xanthan Gum.

A fermentation-derived polysaccharide rheology modifier present alongside the crosspolymer in both cream formulas. Synergy Note: The polyacrylate crosspolymer, xanthan gum, and carbomer each contribute distinct rheological characters - synthetic crosslinked polymer, natural biopolymer, and pH-responsive synthetic acid - creating a multi-component system with more consistent performance than any single thickener provides.

Synthetic Film-Former Polyvinyl Alcohol

INCI: Polyvinyl Alcohol.

Present alongside the crosspolymer in both cream formulas as a film-forming stabilizer. Synergy Note: Polyvinyl alcohol's film-forming character and the crosspolymer's gel-network thickening work in complement - PVA adds surface adhesion and stability while the crosspolymer provides the core viscosity architecture.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: The crosspolymer's contribution to emulsion stability directly supports consistent delivery of Matrikynes® peptides at their full concentration - rheology stability and active delivery are intrinsically linked.