Ingredient review
Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate
INCI: Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate
A synthetic film-former that helps sunscreen and makeup stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.
In plain English
This ingredient creates a thin, invisible film on your skin that helps other ingredients—like sunscreen actives or pigments—stay in place. It's like a gentle glue that improves water resistance and wear time 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
Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate 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 Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate.
- 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
Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate is a synthetic polymer derived from hexamethylene diisocyanate and diethanolamine. It is designed to form a flexible, water-resistant film on the skin.
How it works
When applied, the molecules link together to form a continuous, breathable film. This film physically locks in sunscreen filters or makeup pigments, reducing transfer and wash-off from water or sweat.
Pros
Boosts water resistance
Helps sunscreen and makeup stay effective even when you sweat or go swimming, so you don't have to reapply as often.
Lightweight feel
Unlike some older film-formers, it creates a flexible film that doesn't feel tight or sticky on the skin.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic ingredient
It is not naturally derived, which may be a drawback for people seeking plant-based or 'clean' beauty products.
Limited long-term data
While generally considered safe, there are fewer long-term studies on this specific polymer compared to more common film-formers.
Best for
- Anyone wanting longer-lasting sunscreen or makeup
- People who swim, sweat, or live in humid climates
Use caution if
- Those who prefer 100% natural or minimal-ingredient routines
Usage tips
Safety summary
Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types.
Research notes
Research focuses on its film-forming and water-resistance properties. Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels have not raised significant concerns, though long-term absorption data is limited.
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 specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Sunscreens, Long-wear makeup, Water-resistant formulations
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, its biodegradability is not well-documented. It is not known to be a major environmental concern at typical usage levels.
Good to know
- It is often used alongside other film-formers for extra durability.
- The ingredient is not a sunscreen active—it only helps other ingredients stay on the skin.
Common questions
What is Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate in beauty products?
This ingredient creates a thin, invisible film on your skin that helps other ingredients—like sunscreen actives or pigments—stay in place. It's like a gentle glue that improves water resistance and wear time without feeling heavy or sticky.
What does Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate do in a beauty product?
When applied, the molecules link together to form a continuous, breathable film. This film physically locks in sunscreen filters or makeup pigments, reducing transfer and wash-off from water or sweat.
Is Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate safe for most people?
Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types.
Who should be careful with Di-HEA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate?
Those who prefer 100% natural or minimal-ingredient routines
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.