The present disclosure relates to novel ethylenic copolymers comprising from 10% to 80% by weight, of at least one monomer of polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate type, from 20% to 90% by weight, of at least one anionic monomer, and from 0% to 70% by weight, at least one additional nonionic hydrophilic monomer. The disclosure also relates to a composition, such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the copolymers and to a method of using the same.