What Is Polyester-14?
Polyester-14 is a man-made polymer created by linking together smaller building blocks such as propylene glycol, terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, Steareth-50, ethylene glycol and pentaerythritol. When these components are heated with a catalyst they join through a process called condensation polymerisation, forming long chains that give the final material its stable flexible nature.
The ingredient first gained attention in the late 1990s when formulators looked for alternatives to heavier oils that could still keep water and oil phases mixed. Thanks to its balance of water-loving and oil-loving parts Polyester-14 offered a reliable way to stabilise modern lightweight creams and lotions.
Today it is produced in large reactors where temperature and pressure are tightly controlled to achieve a consistent molecular weight. After polymerisation the mixture is purified, cooled and often supplied as a viscous liquid or soft solid that disperses easily into cosmetic bases.
You will most often spot Polyester-14 in moisturisers, sunscreens, anti-aging serums, leave-on hair conditioners, makeup primers, foundations, sheet masks and rinse-off cleansers. Its versatility lets brands create products that feel silky, spread evenly and stay blended over time.
Polyester-14’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Polyester-14 pulls double duty, supporting both product stability and skin feel.
- Emulsion stabilising: Helps keep oil and water layers from separating which means creams and lotions stay uniform during shipping and storage, preventing that unappealing watery ring or chunky texture
- Skin conditioning: Leaves a soft non-greasy film on the surface so skin feels smooth and hydrated while reducing moisture loss throughout the day
Who Can Use Polyester-14
Polyester-14 is considered suitable for most skin types including normal, dry and combination skin. Its lightweight film can also sit well on oily skin though very acne-prone users may prefer to monitor how it feels since any occlusive layer has a small chance of trapping excess sebum.
The polymer is made from synthetic raw materials so it contains no animal-derived components. This makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians provided the rest of the formula aligns with their preferences.
No data links Polyester-14 to hormone disruption or fetal concerns so it is generally viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified healthcare professional before use.
The ingredient does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity. It can be worn day or night without making skin more vulnerable to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topically applied Polyester-14 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet most users should not expect to experience them when the ingredient is included at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, generally short lived
- Contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitive to synthetic polymers or residual monomers
- Transient clogged pores in very oil-rich skin types if heavy layers are applied repeatedly
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during application or rinsing
- Allergic reaction manifested by swelling or hives, considered extremely rare
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Polyester-14 forms a very thin breathable film that helps lock in moisture but does not create the heavy occlusive barrier linked with pore clogging. Its large polymeric structure is unlikely to penetrate follicles or mix deeply with sebum so the chance of it hardening inside pores is low. Most reports of congestion involve formulas where Polyester-14 sits alongside richer waxes or mineral oils rather than the polymer itself. In short it is generally acceptable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin though personal response can vary.
Keep in mind that overall formula thickness, frequency of application and cleansing habits have a bigger impact on breakouts than this single stabiliser.
Summary
Polyester-14 acts mainly as an emulsion stabiliser and skin conditioning agent. Its balanced water-loving and oil-loving segments anchor at the oil-water interface, stopping the two phases from separating while leaving a silky film on skin that reduces transepidermal water loss. This dual action lets formulators create lightweight lotions, serums and sprays that stay homogenous and feel smooth rather than greasy.
While not as famous as silicones or classic fatty alcohols, Polyester-14 has carved out a quiet niche in modern skincare and makeup where formulators seek dependable all-round performance without adding heaviness.
Safety reviews and in-use tests show a low irritation profile, no phototoxicity and minimal risk of sensitisation. Still every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Polyester-14 to ensure it plays nicely with your complexion.