Ingredient review
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
INCI: SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP CROSSPOLYMER
A safe, synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.
In plain English
This is a synthetic powder that swells when mixed with water, turning a liquid formula into a smooth, lightweight gel. It helps keep the product stable and gives it a pleasant, silky texture that spreads easily on skin without feeling sticky or heavy.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer made from acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers, crosslinked to form a network that absorbs water and thickens formulas.
How it works
When added to water, the polymer particles swell and create a three-dimensional network that increases the viscosity of the product. This stabilizes emulsions (oil and water mixtures) and gives a smooth, non-tacky feel upon application.
Pros
Lightweight feel
Provides a silky, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for gel-based moisturizers and serums.
Stable emulsions
Helps keep oil and water mixed together, preventing your product from separating and ensuring consistent texture.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Made from petroleum-derived monomers, which may be a concern for those seeking 100% natural or 'clean' beauty products.
Limited formula compatibility
May lose thickening power in formulas with high salt content or extreme pH levels, requiring formulators to adjust carefully.
Best for
- Anyone who prefers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers or serums
- People with oily or combination skin looking for a matte finish
Use caution if
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients
- Individuals with known rare allergy to acrylate polymers (extremely uncommon)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Extensively reviewed and considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. Rare reports of mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but overall very low irritation and comedogenic risk.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and other bodies have concluded that acrylates crosspolymers are safe as used in cosmetics. No significant toxicity or sensitization concerns have been identified.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the U.S. FDA and EU CosIng database, with no concentration restrictions.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Gel cleansers, Makeup primers
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable, but it is used in very small amounts and is not known to bioaccumulate.
Good to know
- Often used as a replacement for Carbomer in formulas that need a clearer gel or better electrolyte tolerance.
- Commonly found in 'water cream' textures that feel like water upon application.
Common questions
What is Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This is a synthetic powder that swells when mixed with water, turning a liquid formula into a smooth, lightweight gel. It helps keep the product stable and gives it a pleasant, silky texture that spreads easily on skin without feeling sticky or heavy.
What does Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
When added to water, the polymer particles swell and create a three-dimensional network that increases the viscosity of the product. This stabilizes emulsions (oil and water mixtures) and gives a smooth, non-tacky feel upon application.
Is Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Extensively reviewed and considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. Rare reports of mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but overall very low irritation and comedogenic risk.
Who should be careful with Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer?
Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients Individuals with known rare allergy to acrylate polymers (extremely uncommon)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.