What Is Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide?
Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide is a lab-made ingredient created by linking adamantane units—a cage-like hydrocarbon known for its strength and stability—to a polyethylene glycol chain about 2300 units long, then finishing the ends with carboxamide groups. This structure gives the molecule a balanced mix of oil-loving and water-loving parts, which helps it work well on skin. The ingredient was first explored in the early 2000s when formulators were looking for gentler alternatives to heavy silicones and mineral oils. Its sturdy adamantane cores offered durability, while the PEG backbone provided flexibility and moisture attraction. Production starts with synthesizing adamantane, reacting it with ethoxylated compounds to reach the desired PEG length, then capping the chain with carboxamide groups to improve skin feel and stability.
Today, Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide is found in lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks, anti-aging serums, peel-off masks, primers and leave-on treatments designed for rough or dehydrated skin. Brands favor it for its ability to form a soft, breathable film that locks in hydration without a greasy finish.
Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this multi-tasker helps products feel smooth, stay put and keep skin comfortable.
- Film Forming: Creates a thin, flexible layer on the skin that helps active ingredients stay in place, boosts wear time for makeup and reduces moisture loss caused by wind or dry air.
- Humectant: Attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, giving an instant plumping effect and preventing tightness throughout the day.
- Skin Conditioning: Softens and smoothes the skin’s surface, making rough patches feel velvety and improving overall texture after continued use.
Who Can Use Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide
This ingredient suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it delivers lightweight hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy feel. Its breathable film helps shield moisture while letting skin breathe, which makes it comfortable even for acne-prone users. People with extremely sensitive or compromised skin should proceed with a bit more caution since the polyethylene glycol portion can occasionally cause irritation in those who react easily to synthetic polymers.
Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide is produced entirely from lab-synthesized raw materials, so it contains no animal by-products and is generally regarded as suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, anyone strictly avoiding animal testing will want to confirm the finished brand’s cruelty-free status.
No evidence currently links this ingredient to hormonal disruption or systemic absorption, so it is often considered acceptable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should still run any skincare choices past a qualified healthcare provider.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to increase photosensitivity. In fact, its thin film can slightly reduce transepidermal water loss in sunny or windy conditions, though it does not replace sunscreen. The ingredient remains stable across common cosmetic pH ranges and plays well with most other actives, making it a versatile option for layered routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, yet most users experience none of them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild stinging or redness especially on very sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin
- Transient itching as the film sets before moisture balance is restored
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to polyethylene glycol derivatives
- Temporary pore congestion if layered heavily over comedogenic products that cannot evaporate through the film
- Enhanced penetration of potent actives applied underneath which might intensify their own side effects such as retinoid flaking or acid tingling
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide forms a lightweight breathable film and contains a high-molecular PEG backbone that tends to sit on the surface rather than sinking deep into pores. It does not carry heavy oils or waxes that typically lead to clogging, so its likelihood of provoking blackheads or whiteheads is very low
Most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products featuring this ingredient without major concern, although applying it over thick occlusive layers could trap those heavier materials underneath and indirectly raise congestion risk
Summary
Bis-Adamantanyl Peg-2300 Dicarboxamide acts as a film former humectant and skin conditioner. The rigid adamantane sections create a flexible mesh that stays put on skin, while the long PEG chain pulls in moisture and the carboxamide ends leave a smooth conditioned feel. Together these traits allow formulas to lock in hydration extend wear time for makeup and improve overall texture without heaviness
It is still a niche material seen mainly in forward-thinking moisturizers masks and primers, yet its balance of light feel and strong performance is helping it pop up in more launches each year
Current data shows a low irritation profile and no major health concerns. Even so every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this ingredient before full-face use