CIR Puts a Popular Gel Thickener on Hold for Eye and Absorption Data
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Functional at its June 15–16, 2026 meeting and issued an Insufficient Data Announcement (posted 18 June 2026). The Panel is not calling the thickener unsafe. It is pausing until two packets arrive: ocular irritation data at the maximum concentration of use, and dermal absorption data.
What the ingredient does on a label
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a modern emulsion stabilizer and aqueous viscosity increaser — the clear-gel / spray-friendly thickener shoppers meet in serums, gels, and mascaras (often via tradenames in the Sepimax family). CIR’s earlier Scientific Literature Review (released 13 November 2025) already mapped the use landscape: FDA Registration and Listing Data submitted in 2024 reported 1,515 formulations, and a 2025 industry concentration survey put the highest maximum at 5% in mascara, with near-eye and spray uses also on the table.
Why the IDA matters for mascara fans
Eye-area use at up to 5% is exactly why the Panel’s ocular-irritation ask is not academic. Without that max-use eye package — and without a clear dermal-absorption read — CIR will not move from draft report to a tentative “safe as used” (or restricted) conclusion. Airbrush delivery was separately called out in the SLR as lacking a usable exposure profile.
Practical takeaway
Formulas with this thickener are not recalled by the IDA. The open U.S. expert-panel question is whether present mascara and leave-on levels clear once eye irritation and absorption data land — watch for those submissions before the October 5–6, 2026 cycle or later.