Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer

What is Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer?

Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer is a synthetic polymer derived from the polymerization of acrylamide and ammonium acrylate monomers. It appears as a clear, viscous solution in water and functions primarily in hair care and color cosmetic formulations. In products like hairsprays, gels, mousses, mascaras, and foundations, it deposits a thin, flexible film on hair or skin upon drying. This film enhances style retention by resisting humidity and movement, improves product adhesion for longer wear, and provides a smooth, non-tacky surface. Its cationic nature allows compatibility with various formulation bases, enabling customizable stiffness and flexibility. Commonly used at low levels, it contributes to product stability without altering texture significantly.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-2 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Hair fixative
Provides style hold by forming a film on hair, helping maintain shape, reduce frizz, and improve durability in sprays, gels, and mousses.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Hair fixing
Improves style retention by depositing film-forming polymers that hold hair in place while balancing stiffness, flexibility, and humidity resistance.

Benefits

Supports durable hair styles by forming humidity-resistant films.

Enhances makeup longevity with transfer-resistant coverage.

Improves product cohesion for better application and wear.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking long-lasting hair hold in humid conditions.
Those with known acrylate allergies.
Users of volumizing mascaras or stay-put foundations.
Users sensitive to synthetic polymers.
People preferring lightweight styling without stiffness.
Individuals concerned about residual monomers in cosmetics.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1-2.
  • Safe for use per cosmetic safety reviews when residual acrylamide is minimized.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer

What products contain this ingredient?

Common in hairsprays, styling gels, mascaras, and liquid foundations.

Is it safe for daily use?

Generally low concern in cosmetics per safety assessments.

Does it make hair stiff?

Forms flexible films, balancing hold and natural movement.