Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
A cosmetic ingredient used as emulsion stabilising, film forming, gel forming in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Benzenesulfonic acid, ethenyl-, homopolymer, sodium salt
What does it do?
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
-
Emulsion stabilising
stabilises emulsions of oil and water, preventing separation over time
-
Film forming
forms a thin continuous film on skin, hair, or nails — used in long-wear makeup, sunscreens, and hairsprays
-
Gel forming
thickens a liquid formulation into a gel-like consistency
-
Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
-
Viscosity controlling
adjusts the thickness or flow of a formulation
EU regulatory status
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Benzenesulfonic acid, ethenyl-, homopolymer, sodium salt
Is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate do in cosmetic products?
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: emulsion stabilising, film forming, gel forming, surfactant - cleansing, viscosity controlling.
What is the CAS number of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is 9080-79-9 / 62744-35-8.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010