The present invention relates to a rheology modifier obtainable by polymerizing (i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; (ii) optionally at least one nonionic ethylenically unsaturated surfactant monomer, (iii) at least one C1-C2-alkyl methacrylate, and/or (iv) at least one C2-C4-alkyl acrylate, where the alkyl chain length averaged over the number of alkyl groups of the alkyl acrylate is 2.1 to 4.0; in the presence of hydrocarbon comprising at least one XH-group, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of O, P, N and S. Further aspects of the invention are liquid formulations and especially particles containing liquid detergents comprising said rheology modifier.