What Is Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14/Peg-2/Ppg-3/Ipdi Copolymer?
Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14/Peg-2/Ppg-3/Ipdi Copolymer is a man-made ingredient created by linking together several smaller building blocks: a long-chain butanediol polymer, short units of polyethylene glycol (PEG-2) and polypropylene glycol (PPG-3), and a ring-shaped compound called isophorone diisocyanate. Once these pieces are joined, the chain is capped with HEMA, a molecule often used in nail and dental materials. The result is a sturdy yet flexible copolymer that behaves like a gentle glue in cosmetic formulas.
This type of chemistry first gained attention in the late 1990s when formulators were looking for safe ways to improve the feel and staying power of skin and hair products. By tweaking the ratio of the starting blocks, chemists could fine-tune how thick, shiny or long-lasting a product became. Over time the material proved reliable, which helped it find a place in modern personal care labs.
The copolymer is made through step-by-step reactions in a controlled factory setting. Each monomer is added in sequence, heat and catalysts guide the linking process, and the finished polymer is purified to remove leftovers. Because it is synthesized entirely in a lab, it is not tied to seasonal crops or animal sources, which helps keep quality consistent.
You are most likely to meet this ingredient in long-wear makeup, peel-off face masks, certain hair styling gels, transfer-resistant sunscreens, liquid lipsticks and flexible nail coatings. In all of these products its main job is to help everything hold together, stay put and feel smooth.
Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14/Peg-2/Ppg-3/Ipdi Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This copolymer shows up in formulas because it performs a single but important role.
As a binding agent it keeps pigments, oils and other ingredients evenly mixed so the product spreads uniformly, clings well to skin or hair and resists flaking or smudging. This gives users a more even finish, longer wear time and less mess during application.
Who Can Use Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14/Peg-2/Ppg-3/Ipdi Copolymer
This ingredient suits most skin types including oily, dry, combination and balanced skin because it has no oil content, leaves little residue and is not known to disrupt the skin barrier. Those with very sensitive or highly reactive skin may want to keep an eye on how their skin feels after application since any polymer can on rare occasions feel tight or cause minor itching in fragile skin.
Because the copolymer is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived raw materials it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No data indicate a specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in topical cosmetics, but this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product ingredient list to their doctor to be extra sure.
The copolymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it is photochemically stable, so it will not interfere with daytime sun protection products or increase the need for extra SPF.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14/Peg-2/Ppg-3/Ipdi Copolymer can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that might occur, though they are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as tingling or itchiness
- Redness or a warm sensation in the applied area
- Contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to acrylic or urethane compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic reaction presenting as swelling or hives
If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 – 1 (non-comedogenic to very low)
This copolymer is a large, water-friendly molecule that sits on the surface of skin, contains no heavy oils or waxes and is not readily absorbed. Because it forms a breathable film rather than seeping into pores it is unlikely to trap sebum or debris that could spark breakouts. Its low residue profile keeps the risk of pore clogging minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
As with any film-forming ingredient, thorough cleansing at the end of the day helps maintain clear pores.
Summary
Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14/PEG-2/PPG-3/IPDI Copolymer is mainly a binder that anchors pigments, oils and actives so a formula stays smooth, even and long-wearing. It does this by forming a flexible, lightweight lattice on the surface of skin, hair or nails that locks other ingredients in place and resists water, sweat and friction.
While not a household name, it enjoys steady use in long-wear makeup, peel-off masks, hair gels and flexible nail coatings where dependable hold is prized.
Current safety data show a low irritation and allergy profile for most users, making it a generally safe pick in topical products. As with any new cosmetic we recommend a quick patch test when trying a product that features this copolymer just to be on the safe side.