Ingredient review

PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate

INCI: PPG-14 LAURETH-60 ISOPHORYL DICARBAMATE

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put on skin and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

beautyskincarefilm-former

In plain English

This ingredient is a synthetic polymer, meaning it's a man-made molecule that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. Think of it like a clear, invisible shield that helps other ingredients stay in place and resist being washed away by water or sweat. It's often used in sunscreens to keep the SPF protection even when you swim, and in long-wear makeup to prevent smudging. It doesn't moisturize or treat skin—it's purely a functional helper to improve product performance.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate is a synthetic polymer created by reacting PPG-14 Laureth-60 (a polyethylene glycol derivative) with isophorone diisocyanate. The result is a large molecule that can form a flexible, water-resistant film when applied to skin or hair.

How it works

When applied, the polymer molecules link together to form a continuous, invisible film on the surface of the skin or hair. This film acts as a physical barrier that slows down water loss from the product and helps active ingredients (like sunscreen filters) stay evenly distributed and resistant to rubbing off or washing away.

Pros

Boosts water resistance

Helps sunscreens and makeup stay effective even when you sweat or swim, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

Improves wear time

Creates a flexible film that keeps makeup and skincare in place for hours without flaking or cracking.

Cons and cautions

No active skincare benefit

This ingredient is purely functional—it doesn't hydrate, soothe, or treat skin concerns, so it's not adding value beyond product performance.

Synthetic and not biodegradable

As a man-made polymer, it may raise environmental concerns for those prioritizing eco-friendly or biodegradable ingredients.

Best for

  • People who need water-resistant sunscreens for swimming or sweating
  • Anyone wanting long-wear makeup that doesn't smudge easily

Use caution if

  • Those with very sensitive or reactive skin who prefer minimal synthetic ingredients
  • People seeking purely natural or biodegradable formulations

Usage tips

Use in sunscreens before swimming or heavy activity to maintain SPF protection.
Apply a moisturizer underneath if you have dry skin, as the film can feel slightly tightening.
Remove thoroughly with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to avoid buildup.

Safety summary

PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, but as a synthetic polymer, it may not suit those seeking minimal or natural ingredient lists.

Research notes

Safety assessments by industry panels (e.g., CIR) have reviewed similar polyurethane polymers and found them safe for topical use. Specific studies on this exact ingredient are limited, but its chemical class is well-tolerated in cosmetic applications.

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 regions. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
Common uses
Sunscreens, Water-resistant formulas, Long-wear makeup, Hair styling products
Environmental note
As a synthetic polymer, it is not readily biodegradable. Its environmental impact is similar to other film-forming polymers used in personal care.

Good to know

  • This ingredient is often found in 'water-resistant' or 'sport' formulas.
  • It is not a preservative, fragrance, or active skincare ingredient.

Common questions

What is PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate in beauty products?

This ingredient is a synthetic polymer, meaning it's a man-made molecule that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. Think of it like a clear, invisible shield that helps other ingredients stay in place and resist being washed away by water or sweat. It's often used in sunscreens to keep the SPF protection even when you swim, and in long-wear makeup to prevent smudging. It doesn't moisturize or treat skin—it's purely a functional helper to improve product performance.

What does PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate do in a beauty product?

When applied, the polymer molecules link together to form a continuous, invisible film on the surface of the skin or hair. This film acts as a physical barrier that slows down water loss from the product and helps active ingredients (like sunscreen filters) stay evenly distributed and resistant to rubbing off or washing away.

Is PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate safe for most people?

PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, but as a synthetic polymer, it may not suit those seeking minimal or natural ingredient lists.

Who should be careful with PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl Dicarbamate?

Those with very sensitive or reactive skin who prefer minimal synthetic ingredients People seeking purely natural or biodegradable formulations

Research sources

CosIng (EU) - PPG-14 Laureth-60 Isophoryl DicarbamateOpenCIR Safety Review of Polyurethane PolymersOpenFDA - Cosmetic Ingredient DirectoryOpen

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.