What Is Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer?
Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer is a modern film-forming polymer created for cosmetic formulas. Chemically it is built from three key building blocks: propylene glycol, adipic acid, and isophorone diisocyanate. First propylene glycol and adipic acid are blended and heated to form a soft, flexible prepolymer. This prepolymer then reacts with isophorone diisocyanate, which toughens the chain and helps it resist water. Last the ends of the chain are capped with hydroxypropyl methacrylate, locking the structure and making it easy to spread on skin or hair.
Urethane polymers like this one began showing up in skincare and hair care in the late twentieth century when chemists looked for light, breathable films to replace heavy waxes. Over time this particular copolymer gained favor because it forms an almost invisible layer that moves with the skin yet holds active ingredients in place.
You will most often spot Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer in peel-off facial masks, long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, sunscreens, styling gels, and some anti-aging serums. It is prized for giving these products staying power without a tight or sticky feel.
Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose in beauty formulas: it is a film former. When applied, it lays down a thin uniform layer that locks makeup pigments in place, helps sunscreen stay put, and creates a flexible shield that slows water loss from the skin. The film also traps conditioners or antioxidants on the surface so they can work longer, which can improve the overall performance of many skincare, hair care, and color cosmetic products.
Who Can Use Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer
This film former is considered friendly to nearly all skin types. Because it creates a lightweight breathable layer it works well for normal dry and oily skin alike. Sensitive or easily irritated skin generally tolerates it as it has no fragrance or natural proteins that might trigger flare-ups. The only group that may want to be cautious is anyone with a known allergy to polyurethane materials since the copolymer belongs to that family.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and made without any animal-derived raw materials so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No studies link this polymer to hormonal activity or fetal harm so products containing it are usually regarded as safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice so expectant or nursing mothers should still show the ingredient list to their doctor just to be safe.
Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can even help sunscreen stick better. It also plays well with most other common skincare and makeup ingredients so compatibility problems are rare.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but most users will not encounter them as long as the finished product has been correctly formulated.
- Mild skin redness or warmth right after application
- Itchiness in people who are allergic to urethanes or isocyanates
- Dryness or tight feeling if used in very high concentrations without added moisturizers
- Eye irritation if the raw material contacts the eye before it is fully set in a mascara or liner
If any of these issues occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer earns a 0 because its molecules are large, sit on the surface and do not sink into pores where clogs begin. The finished film is dry to the touch, leaves no greasy residue and lacks fatty acids that normally feed breakouts. For most people who struggle with blemishes it is considered acne friendly.
One thing to keep in mind is that the overall pore safety of a product also depends on the other ingredients in the formula. If this polymer is blended with heavy oils or waxes the final product could still be pore clogging even though the polymer itself is not.
Summary
Bis-Hpma Poly(Propylene Glycol Adipate)/Ipdi Copolymer is a synthetic film former that lays down a thin flexible layer which helps makeup last, keeps sunscreen where it belongs and holds helpful actives on the surface so they can do their job longer. It does this by forming a breathable urethane network that resists water and movement yet feels light on skin or hair.
While it is not a household name, formulators reach for it when they need long wear or waterproof claims so you will spot it in more products than you might expect, especially in mascaras, peel off masks and stay put foundations.
Current data shows low risk of irritation or acne and no known links to serious health issues. As with any new product it is smart to do a small patch test first to make sure your own skin agrees with the complete formula.