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Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer

What Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is & what it does

A versatile thickener that gels and stabilizes formulas across a wide pH range, giving a light, smooth feel. It works well even with electrolytes and actives.

What is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a versatile synthetic thickener and gelling polymer. In a sunscreen it thickens and stabilizes the formula across a wide pH range, giving a light, smooth feel that absorbs without heaviness. It is prized because it stays effective even alongside electrolytes and actives that can break down lesser thickeners.

Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer safe?

Yes. It is a large polymer that works on the surface of the skin rather than penetrating, and it is widely used in cosmetics with a good tolerance record. At the small amounts needed to gel a formula it is non-irritating for most people. It is a texture ingredient, not an active.

Does Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer clog pores?

Generally no. It is a water-based gelling polymer rather than a heavy oil or wax, and it is used in very small amounts. It is not one of the classic pore-clogging ingredients. If a sunscreen breaks you out, the oils and emollients elsewhere in it are the more likely cause.

Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer an emulsifier?

Not primarily. Its main job is thickening and gelling, and it also helps stabilize the formula, but it is not a true oil-and-water emulsifier on its own. It is often paired with a dedicated emulsifier, and together they give a stable, light-textured product.

Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer natural?

No, it is synthetic. It is a copolymer made in a lab from acrylate and VP building blocks, so it does not occur in nature. That is standard for this family of modern texture polymers, and synthetic does not imply it is unsafe.

Sunscreens with Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer

We rate 550 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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