Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer

What is Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer?

Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer made from acrylic acid derivatives, neutralized with ammonia for solubility in aqueous formulations. It belongs to the class of acrylate copolymers widely employed in hair care, makeup, sunscreens, and skincare products. In these applications, it functions by depositing a thin, flexible film on surfaces like hair shafts or skin, which boosts water repellency, adhesion, and longevity of the product. It also modifies flow properties to prevent separation and ensure even distribution during use. By neutralizing surface charges, it minimizes static interactions. This ingredient remains primarily on the product's surface, aiding in cohesion for solid formats and improving overall user experience through better texture and control, without deep skin penetration.

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.

Viscosity controlling agent

Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Antistatic agent

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

Binding

Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.

Benefits

Enhances product durability with protective films for longer wear.

Optimizes texture for smooth application and stability.

Reduces static electricity for easier handling of hair or fabrics.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Users wanting reliable hold in styling or makeup products.	Those with allergies to acrylate polymers.
Individuals seeking stable, easy-to-apply formulations.	People preferring fully natural or botanical ingredients.
People dealing with flyaway or unmanageable hair.	Individuals experiencing irritation from synthetic film-formers.

Safety Notes

Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at typical levels.
Low potential for comedogenicity, suitable for acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer

What products contain Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer?

Commonly found in hair sprays, mousses, sunscreens, foundations, and viscosity-adjusted lotions.

Is it safe for daily use?

Assessed as low hazard and suitable for cosmetic applications when used as directed.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, indicating minimal pore-clogging risk.