Ingredient review
Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer
INCI: BIS-LAURYL COCAMINOPROPYLAMINE/HDI/PEG-100 COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.
In plain English
This is a man-made ingredient that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin. It's often added to sunscreens and long-wear makeup to make them more water-resistant and help them last longer. Think of it like a clear, invisible shield that helps the product stay in place without feeling heavy or sticky.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic copolymer made from lauric acid, coconut-derived amines, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and PEG-100. It belongs to a class of film-forming polymers used in cosmetics.
How it works
When applied, the molecules link together to create a continuous, flexible film on the skin's surface. This film helps other ingredients (like sunscreen filters or pigments) adhere better and resist being washed away by water or sweat.
Pros
Boosts water resistance
Helps sunscreens and makeup stay effective longer during swimming, sweating, or humid conditions.
Improves wear time
Creates a flexible film that keeps foundation, concealer, or tinted SPF from fading or transferring throughout the day.
Cons and cautions
Purely functional
Provides no moisturizing, antioxidant, or skin-repairing benefits—it's only there to improve product performance.
May feel drying
On already dry or sensitive skin, the film can sometimes create a slight tightening sensation, especially if layered under powder.
Best for
- Anyone wanting longer-lasting sunscreen or makeup
- People who swim or sweat and need water-resistant products
Use caution if
- Those who prefer 100% natural or minimal-ingredient routines
- Individuals with very dry or compromised skin barriers who may find film-formers uncomfortable
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated similar film-forming polymers and found them safe when formulated properly. No significant irritation or allergy concerns have been reported.
Research notes
Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically on this exact copolymer, but the class of polyurethane-based film formers is well-established in cosmetics. Safety data relies on ingredient-specific testing submitted by manufacturers and reviewed by regulatory bodies.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Sunscreens, Waterproof makeup, Long-wear foundations
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable. However, it is used in very small amounts and is not known to bioaccumulate.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the end of an ingredient list because it's used at low concentrations.
- It is not a sunscreen active ingredient—it only helps the sunscreen film stay intact.
- The 'PEG-100' part means it has been modified to be more water-dispersible and easier to formulate.
Common questions
What is Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer in beauty products?
This is a man-made ingredient that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin. It's often added to sunscreens and long-wear makeup to make them more water-resistant and help them last longer. Think of it like a clear, invisible shield that helps the product stay in place without feeling heavy or sticky.
What does Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer do in a beauty product?
When applied, the molecules link together to create a continuous, flexible film on the skin's surface. This film helps other ingredients (like sunscreen filters or pigments) adhere better and resist being washed away by water or sweat.
Is Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer safe for most people?
Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated similar film-forming polymers and found them safe when formulated properly. No significant irritation or allergy concerns have been reported.
Who should be careful with Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer?
Those who prefer 100% natural or minimal-ingredient routines Individuals with very dry or compromised skin barriers who may find film-formers uncomfortable
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.