The invention concerns novel ethylene copolymers comprising polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate monomers, cationic monomers, and optionally amphoteric, anionic and/or hydrophilic nonionic monomers, neutralized by particular neutralizing agents. The invention also concerns composition in particular cosmetic or pharmaceutical comprising said copolymers, as well as methods for preparing said copolymers, and cosmetic treatment methods using same.