A description is given of a one-component pressure-sensitive adhesive composition in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive polymer which is formed by emulsion polymerization of soft (meth)acrylic ester monomers, methacrylic acid, and optionally further monomers, where the polymerization takes place in the presence of chain transfer agents or styrene. The pressure-sensitive adhesive polymer has a gel content which is based at least partly on a reversible crosslinking via metal salts. The one-component pressure-sensitive adhesive composition can be used for producing adhesive labels, adhesive tapes or adhesive foils.