Ingredient review
Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate
INCI: ISOPROPYLIDENEDIPHENYL BISOXYHYDROXYPROPYL ACRYLATE
A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.
In plain English
This ingredient is a man-made polymer that dries down to form a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. Think of it like a clear, breathable shield that helps makeup last longer or sunscreen stay effective when you sweat or swim. It doesn't moisturize or treat skin—it's purely a functional ingredient for product performance.
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
Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate 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 Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate.
- 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 polymer derived from acrylic acid chemistry, designed to create a flexible, water-resistant film when applied to skin or hair.
How it works
When the product dries, the polymer molecules link together into a continuous film that sits on the surface. This film helps other ingredients (like sunscreen filters or pigments) stay in place and resist being washed away by water or sweat.
Pros
Boosts water resistance
Helps sunscreen and makeup stay effective longer when you sweat or swim, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
Improves wear time
Creates a flexible film that keeps makeup from sliding off or fading throughout the day.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefit
This ingredient only improves product texture and durability—it doesn't hydrate, soothe, or treat skin.
Environmental persistence
As a synthetic polymer, it is not biodegradable and may contribute to microplastic pollution over time.
Best for
- People who want long-wearing, water-resistant makeup or sunscreen
- Those who live in humid climates or sweat easily
Use caution if
- People with very dry or sensitive skin who prefer minimal film-formers
- Those who prioritize fully biodegradable ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for topical use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk. No known systemic toxicity concerns from cosmetic use.
Research notes
Limited independent research on this specific polymer. Safety is inferred from similar acrylate-based film-formers, which have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and found safe as used.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. No specific concentration restrictions, but formulators typically keep it under 5%.
- Common uses
- Sunscreens, Water-resistant makeup, Long-wear foundations, Hair styling products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not readily biodegradable. Some regions are considering restrictions on non-biodegradable film-formers in rinse-off products.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often used in combination with other film-formers like acrylates copolymer for extra durability.
- It is considered safe at typical use levels by cosmetic safety panels.
Common questions
What is Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a man-made polymer that dries down to form a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. Think of it like a clear, breathable shield that helps makeup last longer or sunscreen stay effective when you sweat or swim. It doesn't moisturize or treat skin—it's purely a functional ingredient for product performance.
What does Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate do in a beauty product?
When the product dries, the polymer molecules link together into a continuous film that sits on the surface. This film helps other ingredients (like sunscreen filters or pigments) stay in place and resist being washed away by water or sweat.
Is Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for topical use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk. No known systemic toxicity concerns from cosmetic use.
Who should be careful with Isopropylidenediphenyl Bisoxyhydroxypropyl Acrylate?
People with very dry or sensitive skin who prefer minimal film-formers Those who prioritize fully biodegradable ingredients
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.