A waxy copolymer of long-chain olefins and maleic monomers, used as an emulsifier and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
What it is
C30-38 olefin/isopropyl maleate/MA copolymer is, according to CosIng, a copolymer of maleic anhydride, isopropyl maleate and C30-38 olefin monomers. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant and a viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products, such as sunscreens and creams.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not show the molecular weight or monomer ratio of the polymer.
Functions
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- Surfactant – cleansing
- Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.