Positive latex including an oil phase, an aqueous phase, at least one water-in-oil emulsifying system, and a linear, branched or cross-linked cationic polyelectrolyte resulting from the polymerization, for 100 mol %, of: a) a molar ratio >40% and ≦99% of monomer units originating from at least one cationic monomer b) a molar ratio ≧1% and <60% of monomer units originating from N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide c) optionally, a molar ratio >0% and <30% of monomer units originating from at least one neutral monomer other than the N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide, on the condition that the molar ratio is strictly less than that of the monomer units originating from N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide and d) optionally, a molar ratio >0% and ≦1% of a diethylene or polyethylene cross-linking monomer. A method for preparing and using the positive latex as a thickener for cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions is also described.
