Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Synthetic polymer thickener (Aristoflex AVC). Stable in a wide pH range of 4-12 and works in cold-process formulas. Builds lightweight gels and emulsions without tackiness. Low allergenicity, non-comedogenic. No standalone skincare effect, pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer (ATBS-VP) is a synthetic polymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinyl pyrrolidone monomers. It is produced by Clariant under the brand Aristoflex AVC. INCI: Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer. The main advantage is pH stability. Unlike classic carbomer thickeners that work only in a neutral range, ATBS-VP keeps its viscosity from pH 4 to 12. This makes it possible to thicken acidic vitamin C toners, AHA/BHA exfoliants, and alkaline AHA-neutralizing products in one formula without losing texture. Technological pros. Works in cold-process – no heating required, which simplifies the manufacturing of heat-sensitive formulas with peptides and enzymes. Self-neutralizing: simply dissolves in water, no TEA or NaOH needed. Compatible with electrolytes at moderate concentrations. Use levels are 0.3-1.5%. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. The polymer is too large to cross the stratum corneum. CIR confirmed the safety of acrylate copolymers on the skin. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. Some users may notice a tightening or matte feel at higher concentrations due to film formation. No standalone active effects. This is purely a rheology modifier. In INCI lists it often sits at position 4-5 after water, humectants, and actives – this is how the manufacturer signals a light gel texture.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer safe during pregnancy?
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer for?
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic polymer thickener (Aristoflex AVC).
Is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer?
The INCI name is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer. It may also appear as: Aristoflex AVC, ATBS-VP.
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