Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer

Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer is an inert, insoluble polymeric powder used mainly for texture, oil absorption, and blurring, typically at low percentages in leave-on cosmetics. In this crosslinked (non-monomer) form it has low bioavailability and is generally well tolerated in patch testing, with irritation risk primarily limited to rare mechanical/dryness-related sensitivity in very reactive or barrier-impaired skin. Given the severe-sensitivity population, I score it as very gentle rather than completely inert to reflect the small but real potential for irritation from particulate/residual traces. Safety Notes: This crosslinked PMMA-type polymer is used as a sensory/texture modifier, soft-focus/mattifying powder, and viscosity builder; in many leave-on lotions/serums/primers it is present at low levels (~0.05–1%) to improve slip and blurring without noticeably increasing powdery feel. In more powder-forward anhydrous primers, matte balms, and some high-slip “blur” sunscreens/foundations marketed to consumers, total loading can reach the high single digits and up to ~20% where it functions as a major filler/texture backbone; rinse-off cleansers typically sit at the lower end due to cost and deposition needs rather than regulatory limits.