Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

What is Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer?

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymer created from sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers. Commonly found in creams, lotions, gels, and serums, it serves as a multifunctional rheology modifier. In formulations, it absorbs water and swells to create a flexible, three-dimensional gel network. This structure boosts viscosity for better product handling, reinforces emulsions to avoid separation, suspends pigments or particles evenly, and adds opacity for a uniform appearance. Its lightweight feel avoids greasiness, supporting diverse textures from thin fluids to rich creams while maintaining stability across temperature changes.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 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.
Suspending agent
Keeps insoluble particles (pigments, beads, actives) evenly dispersed by increasing viscosity or forming a network, preventing settling and separation.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Provides stable emulsions that resist separation for consistent product performance.

Improves flow and spreadability, making application smooth and user-friendly.

Suspends particles evenly, ensuring uniform color and active delivery without settling.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People wanting reliable, non-separating moisturizers and serums.
Anyone with rare sensitivity to acrylate polymers.
Those preferring lightweight textures in daily skincare routines.
People preferring entirely natural or polymer-free formulations.
Individuals seeking formulas with even pigment dispersion in tinted products.
Those experiencing contact dermatitis from synthetic thickeners.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low overall hazard by environmental health assessments.
  • Deemed safe for use in cosmetics by expert safety reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

What role does it play in skincare?

It thickens products, stabilizes emulsions, and suspends particles for better texture and uniformity.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, it's considered low hazard and safe in cosmetics by authoritative reviews.

Does it contribute to acne?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, suitable for acne-prone skin.