What Is Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer?
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer is a lab-made polymer created by linking two building blocks—dimethylacrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate—together with a small connector called methylene bis-acrylamide. The result is a three-dimensional network that swells in water and lends structure to liquid formulas. Because every part of this ingredient is synthesized under controlled factory conditions, there is no plant or animal source involved, which helps keep quality and purity consistent from batch to batch.
Polymers like this began appearing in personal care products in the late 1990s as brands looked for ways to replace older thickeners that felt heavy or left a sticky film. Advances in acrylic chemistry made it possible to design cross-linked networks that deliver a soft, cushiony feel while still giving chemists the thickening power they need. The polymer is made through aqueous free-radical polymerization: the monomers are dispersed in water, a catalyst starts the reaction, and the growing chains lock together at the cross-link sites to form a smooth gel that is later neutralized, filtered and dried or shipped as a pre-swollen dispersion.
You will find Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer in a wide range of cosmetics. It is common in lightweight moisturizers, face masks, anti-aging serums, sunscreens, liquid foundations, mascaras, hair styling creams and even micellar waters. Anytime a formula needs to stay stable on the shelf yet spread effortlessly on skin or hair, this polymer is a popular choice.
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but important purpose in cosmetics: viscosity controlling. By thickening water-based systems it creates a smooth, uniform texture that feels plush instead of runny or sticky. The polymer traps water within its network, which helps suspend pigments, UV filters and actives so they remain evenly distributed and do not settle to the bottom of the bottle. A balanced viscosity also improves the way a product spreads, allowing a thin, even layer that enhances performance and user experience while reducing product waste.
Who Can Use Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
This polymer is considered compatible with all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive because it sits on the surface, does not clog pores and has no inherent fragrance or color that might trigger intolerance. Even acne-prone skin generally tolerates it well since the molecule is too large to enter follicles and is not occlusive.
The ingredient is fully synthetic with no animal or plant components so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards. It is often used in products that carry cruelty-free and vegan labels for this reason.
No data suggest reproductive or developmental concerns from topical use of this polymer. Current safety assessments deem it acceptable for products aimed at pregnant or breastfeeding consumers. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare product with their healthcare provider to be extra cautious.
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer is not known to cause photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also shows no interaction issues with common actives like retinoids or exfoliating acids, making it easy to layer within a routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses can vary and the following outlines potential side effects. In well-formulated products most users experience none of these issues.
- Mild skin irritation – rare stinging or itching, more likely if the formula also contains high levels of alcohol or fragrance
- Transient redness – short-lived flushing that usually subsides once the product dries
- Allergic contact dermatitis – very uncommon immune response resulting in persistent rash or swelling
- Eye irritation – watering or burning if the product gets into the eyes, particularly with gels or mascaras
- Product build-up or pilling – a filmy residue or beads on the skin when too much is applied or when layered with silicone-heavy products
If any adverse reaction occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer forms a large, water-swollen network that stays on the surface and easily rinses away. It is non-occlusive, does not trap oil inside pores and its molecular size prevents it from slipping into follicles, so it has virtually no clogging potential. This makes the ingredient suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. In the rare case a breakout occurs it is almost always the result of other formula components or individual sensitivity rather than the polymer itself.
Summary
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer is used in cosmetics to control viscosity. By swelling in water it creates a smooth, stable gel network that keeps pigments, sunscreens and active ingredients evenly suspended while giving products a pleasant cushiony feel. Its compatibility across a wide pH range and resistance to heat and electrolytes let formulators build lightweight creams, serums and cleansers that spread evenly and do not feel sticky.
Although it is not as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, this polymer is quietly popular behind the scenes in many modern formulas because it delivers dependable thickening without heaviness and meets vegan and cruelty-free criteria. Safety assessments rate it as low-risk for irritation, sensitization and comedogenicity, so consumers can use products containing it with confidence. As with any new skincare item a quick patch test on a small area is a smart precaution before incorporating the product into a full routine.