INCI Name: Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Appearance: White, free-flowing powder
Solubility: Dispersible in water
Usage Rate: 0.1% – 2%
Function: Thickener, stabilizer, texture enhancer, rheology modifier
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (commonly known as Sepimax Zen) is a pre-neutralized, high-performance thickening polymer used to create transparent gels, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the texture of surfactant systems. Known for its salt tolerance and silky finish, it's a go-to ingredient for modern gel textures, light creams, and high-active formulas.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a pre-neutralized, synthetic thickening polymer that forms elegant, clear gels and efficiently stabilizes emulsions and surfactant-rich systems. It can be used in both leave-on and rinse-off formulas and is known for being easy to work with, even in the presence of electrolytes and actives.
Disperse slowly into water with stirring until fully hydrated. Best added early in the process. Compatible with other thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum, carbomers) to fine-tune viscosity and flow.
Disperse into the water phase under stirring. No need to neutralize. Hydration may take 10–30 minutes depending on agitation and temperature.
It’s pre-neutralized and easy to disperse, with excellent electrolyte tolerance. Unlike carbomers that collapse in salty or acidic systems, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 holds stable viscosity, even in challenging formulas with acids, high actives, or metal ions.
It creates elegant, non-tacky gels with a silky slip. Think clear serums that don’t pill, suspensions that don’t feel gummy, and emulsions that stay featherlight while still stable.
Yes. Its 3D polymer network stabilizes suspended ingredients like exfoliating beads, microcapsules, or pigments, keeping them evenly dispersed without settling.
It thickens the water phase while interacting with emulsifiers, giving creams and lotions better stability against separation. It also prevents oil droplets from coalescing, so textures stay smooth over time.
Yes. Unlike many rheology agents, it maintains viscosity at low pH, which makes it ideal for acid peels, exfoliating serums, or Vitamin C systems.
Absolutely. It gives a clean, velvety finish without the tackiness sometimes associated with carbomers. This makes it suitable for “luxury feel” products like high-end serums and light creams.
Electrolytes and acids often break down traditional carbomers. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is designed for electrolyte tolerance, so it keeps viscosity even in high-active systems (like niacinamide, AHAs, or mineral-rich waters).
Cloudiness often comes from poor dispersion or incompatible solvents. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 needs to be fully hydrated before other actives are added. Using a solvent like Propanediol or glycerin as a dispersing aid can help maintain clarity.
Your emulsifier system might not be strong enough. Adding Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 to the water phase increases viscosity and stabilizes oil droplets, preventing long-term separation in emulsions.
Yes. Its silky slip and compatibility with silicones like Dimethicone reduce friction between film-formers, which lowers the chance of pilling when products are layered.
Xanthan often gives a slimy or stringy feel, while Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 creates a refined, elegant texture. For premium formulations, it’s usually preferred when clarity and skin feel are priorities.
