Activatable adhesive compositions are disclosed. The activatable adhesive compositions comprise a two-stage polymer particle, comprising a first stage comprising a hydrophilic acrylic polymer having an acid content of less than 200 mg KOH/g, a second stage polymerized within the first stage and comprising a hydrophobic acrylic polymer, and a tackifier soluble in the first stage and the second stage. Further, linerless labels and tapes comprising activatable adhesive compositions are disclosed. Still further, methods for adhering a first substrate to a second substrate using an activatable adhesive composition are also disclosed.