Polyamine Crosspolymer-1: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Polyamine Crosspolymer-1?

Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 is a man-made ingredient created by linking together three building blocks: Sorbitol Polyglycidyl Ether, PEG-10 Diglycidyl Ether and PPG-66 Diamine. When these molecules react they form a large, net-like structure known as a crosslinked polymer. Because the starting materials come from sugar-based sorbitol and widely used polyethylene and polypropylene glycols, the final polymer has both water-loving and oil-loving parts. This balance helps it spread easily on skin or hair.

The technology behind crosslinked polyamines emerged in the late 1990s as chemists searched for gentle film formers to replace stiffer resins. Over the years manufacturers refined the process to make it more consistent and skin friendly, leading to its entry into skincare and haircare formulas.

Production begins with the controlled reaction of Sorbitol Polyglycidyl Ether and PEG-10 Diglycidyl Ether, both of which contain reactive epoxy groups. PPG-66 Diamine is then added; its amine groups open the epoxy rings so the three components link together. Careful temperature and pH control keep the network uniform, and the finished polymer is usually supplied as an aqueous solution that is easy to blend into cosmetic bases.

You will most often see Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 in lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks, leave-on hair treatments, setting sprays and primers where a smooth flexible film can boost performance without a heavy feel.

Polyamine Crosspolymer-1’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas, Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 is valued for one key role.

As a film former it creates an invisible, breathable layer on the surface of skin or hair. This thin film locks in moisture, helps active ingredients stay in place longer and provides a soft-focus finish that can smooth the look of fine lines. On hair it adds light hold and frizz control while keeping strands touchable.

Who Can Use Polyamine Crosspolymer-1

This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all major skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because the film it forms is flexible and breathable. People with very acne-prone skin may want to monitor how their skin responds since any film former has the potential to trap excess sebum if cleansing is inadequate.

Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 is synthesized entirely from laboratory-created compounds so it contains no animal by-products, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No data suggest any risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a healthcare provider to be safe.

The polymer does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it can be used morning or night and under sunscreen without issue.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a professionally formulated product.

  • Mild skin irritation or redness on very sensitive skin
  • Temporary stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Build-up on hair that may leave strands dull or heavy if the product is not washed out regularly
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis caused by trace residual monomers or impurities

If any discomfort, rash or other negative reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5. Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 is a large water-loving polymer that sits on top of skin rather than seeping into pores, so it has a very low chance of clogging them. The thin breathable film it forms can, however, trap oil if a heavy formula is layered over unclean skin, which is why the rating is not a perfect zero.

Most people who are prone to acne should find this ingredient acceptable, especially in lightweight leave-on products or rinse-off cleansers.

Real-world experience shows that overall product design matters; pairing this polymer with greasy occlusives could raise the clogging potential while using it in a water-based gel keeps risk minimal.

Summary

Polyamine Crosspolymer-1 works primarily as a film former, laying down a flexible, weightless layer that locks in moisture, keeps actives in place and smooths the surface of skin or hair. Its balanced structure of water-loving and oil-loving segments lets it spread easily and rinse cleanly, making it a handy alternative to heavier resins.

You will not see it topping ingredient trend charts, yet formulators appreciate its versatility so it quietly appears in a growing number of moisturizers, primers, masks and leave-in conditioners.

Safety data show a very low rate of irritation or sensitization at the tiny levels used in cosmetics, so most users can feel comfortable applying it daily. As with any new product, perform a quick patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.

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