Ingredients

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer

What this crosspolymer does in skincare, how it gives gels and creams their body, and why a long label name can still be a simple helper.

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Quick facts

INCI name
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Origin
Synthetic
Chemical class
Synthetic crosslinked copolymer
What it does in a formula
viscosity controlling, emulsion stabilizing
Why it is in the formula
Usually used to thicken and stabilize a gel or cream and improve its spread.

What it is

Rather than a plant extract or skincare active, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked polymer used to build gel texture and maintain stability. Some ingredient lists include a space after the slash, but both spellings identify the same material. You will find it in moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens where it helps create a smooth gel structure.

What it does

  • Thickens the formula. The polymer can turn a thin mixture into a gel or give a lotion more body.
  • Helps stabilize texture. It can help prevent a formula from separating or changing feel during normal storage.
  • Improves spread. A well-designed polymer network can help a product distribute smoothly on skin.
  • Does not act as an active. Its role is mainly formula structure, not a promised skin benefit.

Who it suits

This ingredient is not selected for a particular skin type. It is there to shape a formula, so choose a product by its intended use and texture. It is a synthetic polymer, but that does not make it equivalent to plastic microbeads. The US Microbead-Free Waters Act bans plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, not every polymer in every product. Environmental behavior depends on the specific material and use.

What to pair it with, and what not to

There is no special ingredient to pair with this crosspolymer. It works inside a finished formula, often with humectants such as glycerin. Choose the product for its texture and intended use.

Skin Realist check: A name can take up most of the label line and still be there for a very practical texture job.

Quick picks with Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 9 products with Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Daily Moisturizers & Water Gel Creams (4)

Eye Creams & Under-Eye Patches (2)

Premium Overnight Recovery Packs & Sleeping Facials (1)

Premium Double-Cleansing Balms & Melting Gels (1)

Targeted Vitamin C & Brightening Correctors (1)

Common questions

What does ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer do?

It is a synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps give a formula body and keep its texture uniform. It is not usually included as a headline skin active.

Is this crosspolymer a plastic?

It is a synthetic polymer used to control texture. A polymer ingredient is not automatically a plastic microbead, and its environmental behavior depends on its specific structure and use.

Is this ingredient natural?

No, it is a manufactured polymer. The long INCI name describes parts of its chemistry rather than a plant extract.

Can this crosspolymer irritate skin?

It is mainly used to build texture, not to exfoliate or add fragrance. A reaction to a finished product is still possible, so consider the full ingredient list if something does not suit you.

Sources