An active energy ray curable ink which is quickly polymerized by an active energy ray, high in crosslinking degree of a cured material formed, excellent in adhesive property, low in viscosity, excellent in long-term storability and also excellent in ejection stability, and an ink-jet recording process, an ink cartridge, a recording unit and an ink-jet recording apparatus using such an ink are provided. In the active energy ray curable aqueous ink comprising at least water and a polymerizable material which is radically polymerized by an active energy ray, the polymerizable material is a water-soluble polymerizable material represented by the following general formula (I). An ink-jet recording process, an ink cartridge, a recording unit and an ink-jet recording apparatus using such an ink.