What Is Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer?
Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer is a man-made polymer created by joining three small building blocks: ethylene, ethylidene norbornene and propylene. All three come from petroleum refining, and when combined they form a lightweight, flexible material that behaves a bit like rubber once it sets. The technology behind this copolymer grew out of work in the 1960s on EPDM synthetic rubber, valued for its toughness and weather resistance. Formulators later noticed that the same chemistry could give cosmetics a smooth, long-lasting finish, so production lines were adapted to meet cosmetic purity standards.
The copolymer is produced in large reactors where the three monomers are mixed under heat and pressure in the presence of a catalyst. As the reaction proceeds the monomers link up into long chains, turning a thin liquid into a pliable solid. After purification and drying the resulting powder or pellets are ready for use in cosmetic labs.
You will most often find Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer in products that need a flexible seal or extended wear such as mascara, eyeliner, brow gels, long-wear foundation, matte lip color, peel-off masks, sunscreens, hair styling creams and transfer-resistant primers.
Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient acts as a film former, meaning it spreads over skin or hair and sets into an invisible flexible layer. That thin film helps makeup stay put, adds water and smudge resistance, locks in moisture, gives peel-off masks their satisfying lift and helps sunscreens and hair products cling evenly for better performance.
Who Can Use Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer
This polymer is generally considered suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, dry and sensitive, because it sits on the surface rather than sinking deeply into skin. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin may still want to keep an eye on how their skin feels since any film former can sometimes trap heat or sweat, which might bother some.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and made from petroleum feedstocks so it contains no animal-derived components. That makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the rest of the formula also meets their standards.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when it is used in normal cosmetic concentrations. The polymer is not known to penetrate skin to reach the bloodstream. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the product to their doctor before regular use, just to be safe.
Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer is not a photosensitizer so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Its film-forming nature can even help sunscreen stay in place, giving indirect sun protection benefits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer differ from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that may occur even though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly:
- Mild skin irritation or redness, especially on very sensitive skin
- Temporary clogged pores or small breakouts if the film traps oil and sweat
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific allergy to synthetic rubbers or adhesives
- Eye irritation or watering if flakes or particles get into the eyes (mainly with mascaras and eyeliners)
If you notice any discomfort or abnormal reaction while using a product that contains this polymer stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
This polymer stays on the surface of skin and has large molecules that cannot slip into pores, so it has very little inherent pore-clogging potential. It may still trap existing oil or sweat under its film in very hot or humid conditions, which is why it does not score a perfect zero.
Most people who are prone to acne can use products containing this ingredient without extra worry, provided the overall formula is light and well balanced.
Because comedogenicity often depends on the full recipe rather than a single raw material, pay attention to how your skin reacts to the finished product.
Summary
Ethylene/Ethylidene Norbornene/Propylene Copolymer is mainly valued as a film former that lays down a clear, flexible coat over skin, lashes or hair. That film resists water and smudging, locks in active ingredients and lets peel-off products come off in one smooth sheet. It also helps sunscreen and makeup stay even and long wearing.
Although it is not a headline grabber like hyaluronic acid or retinol, this polymer quietly powers many long-wear mascaras, eyeliners, matte lip colors and transfer-proof foundations found on store shelves today.
Safety reviews show it to be low risk because it does not penetrate skin and contains no known toxins. Irritation and breakouts are uncommon but possible, so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists this ingredient to be sure it suits your personal skin needs.