Ingredient review
Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate
INCI: Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate
A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist smudging, but may be drying for some users.
In plain English
This is a man-made ingredient that creates a flexible, waterproof film on your skin or nails. It's what helps your lipstick stay put through meals and your mascara not run in the rain. Think of it like a clear, invisible glue that holds makeup pigments in place. Because it forms a tight film, it can feel a bit stiff or drying on the lips or around the eyes, especially if you have dry skin.
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-HEMA 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-HEMA 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-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate is a synthetic polymer created by reacting HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with a dicarbamate compound. It is designed to form a flexible, durable film on the skin or nails, making it a popular ingredient in long-wear and waterproof cosmetics.
How it works
When applied, the ingredient's molecules link together as the solvent evaporates, forming a continuous, flexible film. This film physically locks pigments and other ingredients onto the surface of the skin, nail, or lash, resisting transfer to clothing or other surfaces and providing water and sweat resistance.
Pros
Exceptional staying power
Creates a durable film that keeps makeup in place for hours, resisting transfer to cups, clothes, or skin.
Water and sweat resistant
The film repels moisture, making it ideal for humid conditions, workouts, or tear-prone eyes.
Cons and cautions
Can be drying
The tight film can pull moisture from the lips or eyelids, leading to a parched or uncomfortable feel over time.
Requires special removal
Because it's so tenacious, water-based cleansers often won't remove it; you'll need an oil-based or balm cleanser to break down the film.
Best for
- Anyone wanting long-wear lipstick or mascara that lasts through eating and humidity
- People with oily eyelids who need eyeliner or shadow that won't smudge
Use caution if
- Those with very dry or sensitive lips who find long-wear formulas uncomfortable
Usage tips
Safety summary
Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, because it forms a tight film, it may cause dryness or discomfort for those with sensitive or dry skin, especially on the lips. Always remove thoroughly with an oil-based cleanser to avoid buildup.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and EU authorities have concluded that this ingredient is safe for use in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics. Studies focus on its film-forming properties rather than skin absorption, as its large molecular size limits penetration. No significant toxicity or sensitization concerns have been reported in published literature.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 1-10% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and other major markets. The EU CosIng database lists it as a film-forming agent with no specific restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Long-wear lipsticks, Liquid lipsticks, Nail polishes, Mascaras, Eyeliners
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable and may persist in the environment. Some brands are moving toward bio-based film-formers, but this ingredient remains widely used for its performance.
Good to know
- This ingredient is chemically related to HEMA, a common monomer in nail acrylics, but is polymerized and considered safe for cosmetic use.
- It is often combined with emollients and oils in the formula to balance its drying effect.
Common questions
What is Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate in beauty products?
This is a man-made ingredient that creates a flexible, waterproof film on your skin or nails. It's what helps your lipstick stay put through meals and your mascara not run in the rain. Think of it like a clear, invisible glue that holds makeup pigments in place. Because it forms a tight film, it can feel a bit stiff or drying on the lips or around the eyes, especially if you have dry skin.
What does Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate do in a beauty product?
When applied, the ingredient's molecules link together as the solvent evaporates, forming a continuous, flexible film. This film physically locks pigments and other ingredients onto the surface of the skin, nail, or lash, resisting transfer to clothing or other surfaces and providing water and sweat resistance.
Is Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate safe for most people?
Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, because it forms a tight film, it may cause dryness or discomfort for those with sensitive or dry skin, especially on the lips. Always remove thoroughly with an oil-based cleanser to avoid buildup.
Who should be careful with Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate?
Those with very dry or sensitive lips who find long-wear formulas 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.