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Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Acrylamide-based thickener. The polymer itself is large and inert, but the acrylamide family attracts scrutiny because residual free acrylamide monomer is a concern in its own right.

Where it appears

  • Emulsion stabilisers
  • Lotions
  • Sunscreen

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted with strict residual acrylamide monomer limits.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Xanthan gum
  • Cellulose gum

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Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, common questions

Is Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Acrylamide-based thickener. The polymer itself is large and inert, but the acrylamide family attracts scrutiny because residual free acrylamide monomer is a concern in its own right.

Is Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer banned?

EU: Permitted with strict residual acrylamide monomer limits. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Xanthan gum; Cellulose gum.

What products contain Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer?

Commonly found in: Emulsion stabilisers; Lotions; Sunscreen.

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Acrylates Crosspolymer

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Cross-linked acrylic polymer thickener. Same plastic family as Acrylates Copolymer.

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Carbomer

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Cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.

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Polyacrylate

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Polymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.

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