What it is
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked copolymer formed from dimethylacrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate, crosslinked with methylene bis-acrylamide. It acts as a viscosity modifier and rheology controller in cosmetic formulations, adjusting product thickness and texture. The crosslinked network structure allows it to swell in aqueous systems and form stable gels. It is widely used in lightweight emulsions, serums, and sun care products, particularly in Asian beauty formulations by brands such as Shiseido, Anessa, and Clé de Peau Beauté. It is effective across a range of pH values and is compatible with electrolytes, making it versatile for formulation. The ingredient is synthetically manufactured and is not derived from natural sources.
Safety & warnings
CIR safety assessment of acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers found that Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer at concentrations below 2.25% was not sensitizing in human repeated insult patch tests (HRIPT). Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate tested at 30–40% concentrations was similarly non-sensitizing. No significant dermal irritation or systemic toxicity concerns were identified for this polymer class at cosmetic use levels. The ingredient is not flagged as an allergen, comedogen, or endocrine disruptor by major regulatory bodies. EU regulations prohibit animal testing for cosmetic ingredient safety.
Origin & sourcing
Produced by synthetic polymerization: dimethylacrylamide and sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate (sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate) monomers are copolymerized and crosslinked with methylene bis-acrylamide to form a three-dimensional polymer network. Commercial forms include Simulgel 800 (Seppic, France) and Viscolam AT 100 P (Lamberti S.p.A., Italy), typically supplied as powders or dispersions in water.
History
Acryloyldimethyltaurate-based polymers were developed in the latter half of the 20th century as synthetic rheology modifiers for personal care. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel conducted a comprehensive safety assessment of acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers as a class, concluding they are safe as used in cosmetic products at current concentrations. The ingredient is listed in the EU CosIng database and is approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and major Asian markets.
Questions everyone asks
What does Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Crosspolymer do in skincare products?
It acts as a viscosity controller and rheology modifier, thickening formulations and stabilizing emulsions. It helps create the smooth, lightweight textures found in many serums, emulsions, and UV protection products.
Is Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Crosspolymer safe for sensitive skin?
CIR safety testing found this polymer class non-sensitizing in human patch tests at concentrations used in cosmetics (below 2.25%). It is not classified as a common allergen, though individuals with acrylamide sensitivities should exercise caution.
Is this ingredient natural or synthetic?
It is entirely synthetic, produced by chemical polymerization of acrylamide-derived monomers. It is not derived from plant, mineral, or animal sources.
Which brands commonly use this ingredient?
It appears frequently in Japanese beauty brands such as Shiseido, Anessa, Elixir, Clé de Peau Beauté, and Senka, particularly in moisturizers, essences, and SPF formulations.