IPDI/PEG-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer is a complex copolymer primarily used in the cosmetic industry as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and film-forming agent. This copolymer is formed from the monomers of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), PEG-15 Cocamine, Glycereth-7, and Polyglycerin-3. This structure provides enhanced performance and sensory properties for various skincare and makeup formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure

This copolymer combines the beneficial properties of its constituent monomers:

Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI): A diisocyanate that forms urethane linkages, providing the copolymer with film-forming and adhesive properties.
PEG-15 Cocamine: A polyethylene glycol derivative of cocamine, which contributes emulsifying and conditioning properties.
Glycereth-7: A glycerol derivative that enhances moisture retention and skin conditioning.
Polyglycerin-3: A glycerol-based polymer known for its excellent moisturizing and emulsifying capabilities.
The resultant copolymer is highly effective at stabilizing emulsions, providing a smooth texture, and enhancing the overall feel of cosmetic products on the skin.

Physical Properties

The IPDI/PEG-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer typically appears as a clear to slightly opaque viscous liquid or gel. It is soluble in water and compatible with various cosmetic ingredients, making it particularly useful in water-based formulations where it enhances viscosity and stability.

Production Process

Polymerization: The production involves the polymerization of isophorone diisocyanate with PEG-15 Cocamine, Glycereth-7, and Polyglycerin-3 monomers. This process requires precise control of reaction conditions to ensure the formation of a stable and effective copolymer.
Purification: Following polymerization, the copolymer undergoes purification to remove any unreacted monomers and by-products, ensuring its purity and suitability for cosmetic use.
Quality Control: Rigorous testing is conducted on the final product to assess its purity, consistency, and performance in various cosmetic formulations. These tests often include evaluations of emulsion stability, viscosity, and compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Widely used in creams, lotions, and serums where it acts as an effective emulsifier and stabilizer, helping to blend and stabilize the mixture of oil and water components, and improving the product's overall texture and application properties.
Skin Care: Ideal for use in moisturizing and hydrating products, providing a smooth and enriching feel to the skin due to its film-forming and conditioning properties.
Makeup: Employed in foundations and other makeup products to enhance their texture, spreadability, and wear, ensuring a smooth, even coverage and long-lasting finish.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

IPDI/PEG-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is generally well-tolerated by the skin. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Proper use within recommended concentrations is essential to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness.

Cosmetics Safety

It is a product structurally related to PEGs (polyethylene glycerol ethers) on the safety of which the scientific literature has conflicting opinions.
Since the PEG (Polyethylene glycol) family is very numerous and can be found in cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and other products, we need to make an introductory statement on the subject, which is rather complex from a safety point of view because these products not only come into contact with the skin, but, as in the case of medical products, are ingested.
PEGs (polyethylene glycol) polymerise condensed ethylene oxide and water and are referred to as polyethylene glycols, but are actually complex chemical components, polymers bonded together. For example, plastic is polyethylene and has a hard consistency, while polyethylene combined with glycol forms a liquid. PEGylation is produced not only as etherification, but also as transesterification, which is the transformation of an alcohol by an ester.
The number appearing after the abbreviation PEG represents the molecular weight and the higher this number is, the less it penetrates the skin.
The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.

INCI

In cosmetic labeling, IPDI/PEG-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer is listed under its INCI name, reflecting its chemical identity as a copolymer of isophorone diisocyanate, PEG-15 Cocamine, Glycereth-7, and Polyglycerin-3 monomers, used for regulatory and commercial purposes in the cosmetics industry.


Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
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CAS: 373387-50-9