Ingredient review
Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer
INCI: ETHYLENEDIAMINE/STEARYL DIMER TALLATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.
In plain English
This ingredient is a type of plastic-like polymer that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. It's commonly used in waterproof makeup and sunscreens to help them last longer and resist sweat or water. Think of it as a gentle, invisible shield that keeps your product 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
Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate 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 Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate 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 by reacting ethylenediamine with a stearyl dimer tallate (a fatty acid derivative from tall oil). It belongs to the family of film-forming polymers used in cosmetics.
How it works
When applied, the polymer molecules link together to form a continuous, flexible film on the skin or hair surface. This film helps other ingredients (like pigments or UV filters) adhere better, improves water resistance, and can also control the thickness and feel of the product.
Pros
Boosts wear time
Helps makeup and sunscreen stay on longer, even in humid or sweaty conditions, so you don't have to reapply as often.
Improves water resistance
Creates a protective barrier that keeps water from washing away your product, ideal for swimmers or outdoor activities.
Cons and cautions
No active benefit
This ingredient only improves product performance; it doesn't hydrate, soothe, or treat the skin in any way.
Potential for tightness
In high concentrations, the film can feel slightly tightening or drying on very dry or sensitive skin types.
Best for
- Anyone looking for long-wearing, water-resistant makeup or sunscreen
- People with oily or combination skin who want products that stay put
Use caution if
- Those who prefer minimal-ingredient, polymer-free routines may want to skip it
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. No significant safety concerns have been reported in peer-reviewed literature or by regulatory panels.
Research notes
Research on this specific polymer is limited, but it is structurally similar to other film-forming copolymers that have been evaluated for safety. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed related polymers and found them safe for use in cosmetics.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (CosIng), and many other countries. No known restrictions at typical usage levels.
- Common uses
- Sunscreens, Waterproof mascaras, Long-wear foundations, Hair styling products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it may not be biodegradable. However, it is used in small amounts and is not known to accumulate significantly in the environment.
Good to know
- This polymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies at typical concentrations.
- It is not absorbed into the skin; it stays on the surface as a film.
Common questions
What is Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer in beauty products?
This ingredient is a type of plastic-like polymer that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. It's commonly used in waterproof makeup and sunscreens to help them last longer and resist sweat or water. Think of it as a gentle, invisible shield that keeps your product in place without feeling heavy or sticky.
What does Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer do in a beauty product?
When applied, the polymer molecules link together to form a continuous, flexible film on the skin or hair surface. This film helps other ingredients (like pigments or UV filters) adhere better, improves water resistance, and can also control the thickness and feel of the product.
Is Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer safe for most people?
Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. No significant safety concerns have been reported in peer-reviewed literature or by regulatory panels.
Who should be careful with Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Tallate Copolymer?
Those who prefer minimal-ingredient, polymer-free routines may want to skip it
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.