Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/Acrylamide Copolymer

What is Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/Acrylamide Copolymer?

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/Acrylamide Copolymer is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymer formed by copolymerizing sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate, and acrylamide monomers. Primarily used in water-based skincare formulations like creams, lotions, serums, and gels, it acts as a rheology modifier. In products, it rapidly swells in water to form a stable, transparent gel network that increases viscosity, suspends particles, and prevents phase separation in emulsions. This structure enhances shear-thinning behavior, allowing easy spreading while maintaining thickness at rest. It also imparts opacity for a luxurious feel and supports even distribution in powdered formats. Derived from petrochemical sources, this versatile ingredient ensures consistent performance across pH ranges and with diverse actives.

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:

Anticaking agent

Prevents powders from clumping by reducing moisture pickup and improving flow, keeping loose and pressed powders uniform during storage and use.

Emulsion stabilizer

Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.

Opacifying agent

Makes a formula less transparent to create a creamy, opaque look; can also help visually mask suspended particles and improve aesthetic uniformity.

Viscosity controlling agent

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

Benefits

Enhances emulsion stability to maintain product integrity over time

Controls viscosity for smooth application and improved skin feel

Provides opacity and anticaking for visually appealing, uniform powders

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Those preferring thick, non-separating moisturizers and creams	People with acrylate sensitivities
Users of powdered cosmetics needing clump-free texture	Those avoiding synthetic polymers
Individuals seeking spreadable gels with suspended actives	Individuals preferring fully natural formulations

Safety Notes

Low hazard rating from assessments, safe in typical cosmetic concentrations
Minimal comedogenic risk, suitable for most skin types

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/Acrylamide Copolymer

What does this copolymer do in skincare?

It thickens formulations, stabilizes emulsions, opacifies products, and prevents powder clumping for better usability.

Is it irritating to skin?

Evidence shows low irritation potential for most users in cosmetic applications.

Safe for daily use?

Generally recognized as safe at standard levels by cosmetic safety reviews.