What Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer?
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer is a man-made polymer created by linking together units of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate with a small amount of trimethylolpropane triacrylate that acts as a bridge. The result is a flexible three-dimensional network that swells when mixed with water or other liquids.
The material was first explored in the late 1990s as chemists searched for new thickeners that could cope with a wide pH range and still feel light on the skin. Its success in lab tests quickly moved it into mainstream skincare and makeup, where it now appears in everything from daily moisturizers to long-wear foundations.
Production starts with simple acrylic acid derivatives that are neutralized with ammonia to form the ammonium salt. These monomers are blended with trimethylolpropane triacrylate, then exposed to heat or UV light to trigger polymerization. Once the web-like polymer forms, it is purified, dried and milled into a fine powder that easily rehydrates when added to a formula.
You will most often spot Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer in lightweight gels, sheet mask serums, lotions, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, hair styling creams and even water-based primers. Brands choose it when they want a smooth, non-sticky feel without using large amounts of oil or wax.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays a supporting yet critical role in many formulas
- Emulsion stabilising – Keeps oil and water phases mixed so the product stays uniform from the first pump to the last, preventing separation on the shelf or on your skin
- Viscosity controlling – Thickens watery formulas into pleasing gels or creams, giving them a smooth glide and helping active ingredients stay where they are applied
Who Can Use Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
This polymer is considered gentle and non comedogenic so it suits most skin types including dry, oily, sensitive, normal and combination. Its light fresh feel makes it especially helpful for oily or acne prone skin that dislikes heavy creams. There are no known reasons for those with very sensitive or reactive skin to avoid it, although individual tolerance always varies.
Because it is completely synthetic and contains no animal sourced ingredients it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
No data suggest any risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics at normal levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any planned skincare routine to a qualified doctor just to be safe.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer does not absorb UV light and does not heighten photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer can differ from one person to another. The points below list potential issues and are unlikely to be what most users experience when the product is well formulated.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of specific allergy to acrylate type ingredients
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Breakouts in users who react to any new thickening agent, though the risk is low
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer is a large water loving polymer that sits on the surface of the skin, creates a breathable film and rinses away easily. Because it is not oily or waxy and does not penetrate into pores, it has no realistic potential to clog them, which is why it gets a solid zero on the comedogenic scale. This makes it a safe pick for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts. There are no published reports of it worsening blackheads or whiteheads even in high use products.
Summary
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer works mainly as a texture tool: it stabilises emulsions so oil and water stay blended, and it controls viscosity by swelling into a soft gel network that gives lotions and serums their smooth glide. These two talents help active ingredients remain evenly dispersed and stay in place on the skin.
The polymer has become a quiet favorite with formulators who want a lighter alternative to older thickeners like carbomer. You will spot it in modern moisturizers, gel creams, sunscreens, hair products and even color cosmetics, though it rarely makes the front label.
Safety testing shows very low irritation and allergy risk, plus no comedogenicity, so it suits nearly every skin type. As with any new skincare product, doing a quick patch test is a smart extra step to check personal compatibility.