What Is Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer?
Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer is a man-made ingredient created by linking three different building blocks: polyethyleneimine (PEI-14), polyethylene glycol (PEG) with an average of 10 ethylene oxide units, and polypropylene glycol (PPG) with about 7 propylene oxide units. When these blocks are joined they form a “copolymer,” a versatile chain that carries both water-loving and oil-loving sections. This balance lets the material dissolve oily grime while still rinsing away easily with water.
The technology behind such block copolymers first gained traction in the late 20th century as chemists searched for milder replacements for traditional soaps. By tweaking the ratio of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, formulators discovered they could fine-tune cleansing strength and skin feel. Today the ingredient is produced in controlled reactors where the PEI backbone is sequentially reacted with ethylene oxide then propylene oxide. Strict temperature and pressure settings help achieve a narrow, predictable molecular weight range that meets cosmetic safety standards.
You are most likely to meet Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer in foaming facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, clarifying shampoos, exfoliating masks and pre-shave gels. Its ability to lift away dirt without stripping skin makes it useful in both daily-use drugstore products and more specialized spa-style formulas.
Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas this ingredient serves a single but important role: cleansing. Its mixed water-oil structure surrounds sebum, makeup residue and environmental grime so they can be rinsed away with plain water. Because the polymer is larger than classic soap molecules it tends to be less harsh, leaving skin feeling smooth rather than tight or squeaky.
Who Can Use Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer
This gentle cleansing polymer suits most skin types, including oily, combination and normal skin, because it lifts away grime without stripping the natural moisture barrier. Dry or very sensitive complexions can generally tolerate it as well, though they may prefer formulas that pair the polymer with extra emollients to counter any residual tightness.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, so it is considered acceptable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety assessments have not flagged Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although topical use is expected to remain at the skin’s surface, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new products to their routine.
The polymer does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known effect on photosensitivity. It is also fragrance free and colorless, making it unlikely to conflict with other actives or dyes in a formula.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer can differ. The issues listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at the concentrations typically found in cosmetics.
- Transient stinging or redness if applied to broken or highly irritated skin
- Mild eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in people with an existing sensitivity to amine-based polymers
- Excess dryness or tightness when used in very high-foaming cleansers on already dehydrated skin
If any discomfort, persistent redness or swelling occurs stop use immediately and consult a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer is highly water soluble and forms large molecules that sit on the skin surface then rinse away, so it is unlikely to lodge inside pores or mix with sebum. No data link the polymer to clogged pores in either lab or user reports, placing it at the bottom of the comedogenic scale.
This makes the ingredient generally friendly for people who deal with acne or frequent breakouts.
As with any cleanser the final formula matters. Heavy oils or waxes paired with the polymer could still block pores, so check the full ingredient list if you are very breakout-prone.
Summary
Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer is used mainly for cleansing. Its chain carries both water-loving and oil-loving sections that wrap around dirt, makeup and excess oil so they can be rinsed off without stripping the skin.
You will see it now and then in gentle foaming cleansers, micellar waters and body washes, though it is not as common as classic surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate. Brands that focus on mild or sensitive-skin formulas value it for its low irritation profile.
Safety reviews rate the polymer as low risk for irritation, allergy or pore blockage when used at cosmetic levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists Pei-14 Peg-10/Ppg-7 Copolymer near the top of the label.