Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

What is Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer?

Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer is a lab-made polymer composed of acrylic ester and ammonium methacrylate units. Commonly found in hair sprays, gels, mousses, and long-wear cosmetics like foundations and mascaras. In formulations, it functions by drying into a thin, elastic sheath on hair shafts or skin surfaces, locking in styles against humidity, minimizing flyaways through charge neutralization, and binding particles for stable product textures. This enables enhanced durability, shine control, and easy removal with water or shampoo, without heavy buildup. Its versatility supports both rinse-off and leave-on applications across personal care categories.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 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.

Antistatic agent

Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.

Benefits

Delivers flexible hold to hairstyles, resisting humidity and movement.

Creates smudge-proof layers on skin for extended makeup wear.

Neutralizes static for tangle-free, sleek hair management.

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 styling hair for all-day control in humid conditions.	Those with acrylate sensitivities, despite low incidence.
Makeup enthusiasts seeking transfer-resistant finishes.	Users avoiding synthetic polymers in routines.
People with static-prone hair needing smoother handling.	Individuals experiencing rare contact dermatitis from similar ingredients.

Safety Notes

Deemed safe for use in cosmetics at typical levels by expert reviews.
Presents low comedogenic and irritation risk in patch assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

What products contain it?

Primarily hair fixatives like sprays and gels, plus makeup for film effects.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation potential per evaluations.