A bioadhesive composition formed by polymerizing a homogeneous aqueous reaction mixture comprising from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one ionic water soluble monomer, from about 10% to about 50%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one plasticizer (other than water), up to about 50%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one non ionic water soluble monomer, up to about 40%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of water, optionally as well as up to about 10%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one surfactant and from about 1% to about 30%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one hydrophobic monomer and/or polymer. An electrolyte may be present, to enhance electrical conductivity, e.g. for use in biomedical electrodes.