What Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer?
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic copolymer created by linking two acrylic acid-derived monomers, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and carboxyethyl acrylate, with a small connector molecule called trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate. This molecular web swells in water and forms a smooth gel that helps control the thickness of cosmetic formulas.
The ingredient was introduced in the early 2000s when formulators sought alternatives to older, stickier thickeners such as carbomers. By tweaking acrylic chemistry, suppliers produced a polymer that offers a lighter feel, better clarity and improved salt tolerance. Today it is manufactured in closed reactors where the monomers are mixed, initiated to polymerize, crosslinked, purified and finally dried into a fine white powder or delivered as a pre-neutralized liquid slurry.
Because it disperses quickly and builds viscosity at low use levels, this polymer appears in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off products. You will commonly see it in light moisturizers, soothing gels, hydrating masks, micellar waters, hair conditioners and vibrantly tinted serums where a clear, smooth texture is important.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The main advantage of this ingredient comes from its ability to control how thick or thin a product feels and flows.
As a viscosity controlling agent it allows formulators to:
- Build silky, cushiony textures that spread easily without dripping
- Stabilize emulsions so water and oil stay blended over the product’s shelf life
- Suspend actives, pigments or exfoliating beads evenly throughout the formula
- Fine-tune thickness across a wide pH range, even in the presence of salts or electrolytes found in many skin-care actives
Who Can Use Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
This polymer is gentle and lightweight so it usually suits all skin types, including oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin. Because it is not an active treatment but a texture helper it rarely triggers problems even on reactive complexions. There are no specific skin types that should avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to acrylic ingredients.
The material is made entirely from laboratory sourced chemicals and contains no animal derived matter, making it acceptable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no reproductive toxicity, so products containing this ingredient are generally considered safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should pass any skincare product by a qualified doctor to be on the safe side.
The polymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and therefore does not increase the risk of sunburn. It also plays well with most other common skincare ingredients and does not interfere with exfoliating acids, retinoids or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely to be the typical user experience. When the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic levels most people will not run into problems.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Transient stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to acrylic compounds
- Eye irritation if the product gets into the eyes
- Build up or dullness on hair when used in very high concentrations in hair products
If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
This polymer sits on top of the skin, cannot be metabolised by surface bacteria and is used at very low levels, so it does not block pores or feed acne-causing microbes. It behaves much like other acrylic gel thickeners that have long been classed as non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is part of the formula’s water phase, the polymer is usually removed easily with routine cleansing, leaving little residue behind.
Summary
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a modern texture builder that thickens, stabilises emulsions and keeps particles evenly suspended while giving products a fresh, light feel. It does this by swelling in water to form a smooth gel network that holds oils, actives and pigments in place.
The ingredient has become a staple in many lotions, gels and serums because it solves the clumping and heaviness issues seen with older thickeners, yet it remains affordable and easy to use for manufacturers.
Current safety data shows it is low risk for irritation or sensitisation, non-comedogenic and free of animal-derived material, making it suitable for most users. As with any new cosmetic product, perform a quick patch test when first trying a formula that contains this polymer to be on the safe side.