Ingredient deep-dive

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Synthetic acrylic and vinyl copolymer used as a gelling and stabilising agent, popular in lightweight modern textures.

Where it appears

Serums
Gel-creams
Sunscreen
Essences

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Xanthan gum
Sclerotium gum
Hyaluronic acid

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Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, common questions

Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer a microplastic?

Borderline. Synthetic acrylic and vinyl copolymer used as a gelling and stabilising agent, popular in lightweight modern textures.

Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Xanthan gum; Sclerotium gum; Hyaluronic acid.

What products contain Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer?

Commonly found in: Serums; Gel-creams; Sunscreen; Essences.

Related ingredients

Acrylates Copolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

Synthetic film-forming plastic used widely in makeup, sunscreens, and hair fixatives.

Acrylates Crosspolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

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

Carbomer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

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

Polyacrylate

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

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