What Is Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer?
Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer is a modern synthetic ingredient created by linking together four different building blocks: isophorone diisocyanate, PEG-15 Cocamine, Glycereth-7 and Polyglyceryl-3. Isophorone diisocyanate is a lab-made molecule that provides sturdy, flexible links in the final polymer. PEG-15 Cocamine is an ethoxylated fatty amine that usually starts with coconut oil. Glycereth-7 and Polyglyceryl-3 come from glycerin, a familiar plant-derived humectant. When these monomers react they form a large, stable copolymer that behaves very differently from its individual parts.
Chemists first explored this type of copolymer in the late 1990s while looking for gentle alternatives to harsh film formers. The blend of water-loving and oil-loving segments made it attractive for skin care because it could hold moisture, smooth the skin surface and mix easily with other ingredients. Over time formulators adopted it for leave-on products where a weightless hydrated feel was needed.
Manufacturing begins with purified monomers that are added to a controlled reactor. Under heat and the right pH the monomers bond in a step-growth reaction, forming long chains. The finished copolymer is then filtered, tested for purity and supplied as a clear to slightly hazy liquid that dissolves well in water and many glycols.
You will usually spot Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer in lightweight moisturizers, soothing gels, sheet masks, anti-aging serums, face mists, after-sun lotions and even some conditioning hair sprays. It is prized for delivering a smooth finish without heaviness.
Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient adds value to a formula in more than one way
- Humectant – Pulls water from the air and from deeper layers of skin to the surface, helping keep skin plump and hydrated while preventing the product itself from drying out in the jar or on the face
- Skin conditioning – Leaves a soft, smooth after-feel, reduces flakiness and can make rough or tight skin feel more comfortable after application
Who Can Use Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer
This ingredient works for nearly every skin type. Its lightweight water-binding nature suits oily and combination skin because it delivers hydration without a greasy film. Dry and mature skin benefit from the added moisture retention, while most sensitive skin can tolerate it since it is fragrance free and has a very low irritation profile. There are no specific reasons for extremely reactive or eczema-prone skin to avoid it, though individual sensitivity is always possible.
Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer is considered vegan friendly because its building blocks are either fully synthetic or plant derived. PEG-15 Cocamine typically starts with coconut oil and the glycerin used for Glycereth-7 and Polyglyceryl-3 is normally sourced from vegetable oils. No animal by-products are involved in standard manufacturing.
Available safety data show no reproductive or developmental concerns, so products containing this copolymer are generally viewed as safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run all skin care choices past a qualified health professional.
The polymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It also plays well with nearly all active ingredients, which lets formulators pair it with acids, retinoids or antioxidants without stability issues.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but not common. When the ingredient is used at typical levels and produced to cosmetic grade most people experience only its intended benefits.
- Mild redness or itching especially on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Transient stinging if applied to freshly exfoliated or broken skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual allergy to one of the polymer’s subcomponents
- Occlusive feel or pore congestion for a small number of acne-prone users when the overall formula is already rich in oils or waxes
If any discomfort, swelling or persistent irritation occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – This copolymer is highly water soluble, does not form a thick greasy film and is used at low levels, all of which keep its pore-clogging potential minimal. Any risk usually comes from heavier oils or waxes in the same formula rather than from the polymer itself.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Keep in mind that overall formulation matters; pairing the ingredient with rich emollients can raise the comedogenic feel even if the polymer alone is nearly non-comedogenic.
Summary
Ipdi/Peg-15 Cocamine/Glycereth-7/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer mainly acts as a humectant and skin conditioning agent. Its glycerin-based segments attract and bind water while the PEG and fatty amine portions create a light smoothing layer, allowing it to hydrate the surface without heaviness.
Although not a household name, it has carved out a steady spot in modern lightweight moisturizers, hydrating mists and gel serums where a clean feel is valued.
Current safety data give it a strong record with low irritation and almost no long-term concerns. As with any new ingredient, do a quick patch test when you try a product containing it just to stay on the safe side.