Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide?

Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide is a lab-created organic compound that blends a rigid adamantane core with a hydroxylbenzamide group, giving it both oil-controlling and antioxidant traits. It does not come from plants or animals; instead chemists build it step by step in controlled reactors, usually starting with adamantane, salicylic acid derivatives and safe activating agents that link the two parts. First developed in the early 2000s for skin care research, it earned attention for keeping excess oil in check while guarding skin against environmental stress. Today the ingredient appears in lightweight moisturizers, mattifying primers, clay or sheet masks, anti-aging serums and leave-on spot treatments aimed at shiny or pollution-exposed skin.

Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Formulators value this multitasker for three main reasons

  • Anti-Sebum: Helps slow down surface oil production so skin looks fresh longer, makeup lasts better and pores appear less congested
  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals from UV rays and city pollution which supports a brighter tone and helps limit early signs of aging
  • Skin Protecting: Forms a light breathable shield that reinforces the skin barrier reducing irritation from daily aggressors like dust or harsh weather

Who Can Use Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide

This ingredient suits most skin types, especially oily and combination skin because of its oil balancing ability. Normal skin generally tolerates it well while very dry skin may find the mattifying finish a little too absorbent unless paired with rich moisturizers. Sensitive skin usually handles it without trouble thanks to its gentle profile though individual tolerance always varies.

Because the molecule is fully synthetic and no animal derivatives are involved during production it is considered appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.

Current data shows no specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any new skincare product with a qualified doctor for personal guidance.

The compound does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has not been linked to photosensitivity. Regular daytime sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health. Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide also plays nicely with most common actives like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid so layering routines tend to be straightforward.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide differ from one person to the next. The points below outline potential side effects yet these outcomes are uncommon when a product is well formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild dryness or a feeling of tightness in those with already dehydrated skin
  • Temporary redness or warmth right after application, usually fading within minutes
  • Stinging or tingling on very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
  • Rare cases of contact dermatitis marked by itching or small bumps
  • Flaking when combined with high levels of alcohol based toners or treatments

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5 (very low)

Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide scores a 1 because its bulky adamantane backbone is not readily metabolized into fatty acids that could block pores and the molecule sits lightly on the skin instead of creating an occlusive film. Formulas usually feature it at low concentrations which further minimizes clogging risk. In most cases this makes it friendly for acne-prone or easily congested skin.

No known interactions raise its comedogenic potential when paired with common actives yet highly occlusive bases or heavy oils in the same product could still trigger breakouts in some users so the overall formulation matters.

Summary

Adamantanylcarboxamido Hydroxylbenzamide delivers three main benefits: it tempers excess sebum for a matte look, scavenges free radicals to curb premature aging and supports the skin barrier by forming a sheer protective layer. It achieves these effects through the stable adamantane core that regulates oil flow and the hydroxylbenzamide segment that donates electrons to neutralize oxidative stress.

While not a household name it is steadily gaining traction in modern lightweight primers serums and masks aimed at city dwellers who battle shine and pollution. Available safety data shows it is well tolerated by most skin types with only rare mild reactions reported. As with any new cosmetic ingredient a small patch test is wise before full face use especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

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