What Is Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate?
Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate is a synthetic ingredient made by linking a fatty alcohol (dodecanol) with propylene oxide and ethylene oxide then finishing it off with a dicarbamate group. The result is a long, partly oily and partly water-loving molecule that behaves like a lightweight liquid resin. It first appeared in specialty hair products during the late 1990s when formulators were searching for non-sticky ways to thicken clear gels. Today it is produced in modern reactors where the alcohol, oxides and carbamate units are carefully added in steps under heat and pressure. After purification it becomes a pale, almost odorless fluid that dissolves easily into water-based or water-and-oil blends. You will most often spot it in leave-in conditioners, styling gels, sheet masks, lightweight facial serums, spray lotions and anti-aging creams where a smooth flow and glossy finish are important.
Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on this ingredient mainly for one task that has several knock-on benefits for the final product.
Viscosity controlling: It fine-tunes how thick or runny a formula feels. By adding it in small amounts chemists can turn a watery mix into a silky gel or give a cream a lighter feel without extra oil. This control helps products spread evenly over the skin or hair, keeps particles or pigments from settling and improves the overall sensory feel so the product seems luxurious rather than heavy or sticky.
Who Can Use Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate
This ingredient is generally well suited for all skin types. Its lightweight texture makes it comfortable for oily or combination skin while its ability to stabilize water in a formula helps prevent tightness on normal or mildly dry skin. Those with very dry or compromised skin might still need richer emollients for lasting comfort as Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate itself does not supply heavy moisture or occlusion.
Because it is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived components it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences. Manufacturers typically source the base alcohols and oxide units from petrochemical or plant based feedstocks without involving animal by-products.
Current safety data do not point to special risks for pregnancy or breastfeeding. The molecule is too large to penetrate deeply and is not known to act like a hormone disruptor. Still this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products to a routine.
Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate is not linked to photosensitivity. It does not absorb UV light or create reactive species under sunlight so daytime use does not increase the need for sun protection beyond your usual SPF.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues although most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Transient skin irritation: A small number of users may notice mild redness stinging or warmth shortly after application especially if the formula also contains high levels of alcohol or acidic actives
- Contact dermatitis: Extremely rare allergic responses such as itching rash or swelling can occur in individuals sensitive to carbamate structures
- Eye irritation: If a product runs or is rubbed into the eyes it can cause watering or a slight burning sensation until rinsed out
- Build-up on hair strands: Heavy or repeated use in styling products can create a thin film that makes hair feel coated or appear dull until washed away with shampoo
- Enhanced penetration of other actives: By loosening the product matrix it can inadvertently increase how quickly certain potent ingredients reach the skin which might amplify their own side effect profile
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 1/5. Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate is a large partly water-soluble molecule that tends to sit on the surface and rinse away rather than settle into pores. While it contains some fatty chains its overall structure is too bulky and polar to trap sebum effectively so clogged pores are unlikely.
Generally considered safe for acne-prone skin.
One extra note: the ingredient can increase the skin penetration of other components in a formula, so any pore issues are more likely to stem from heavier oils paired with it rather than from the dicarbamate itself.
Summary
Ppg-14 Laureth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate works as a viscosity controller that turns watery mixes into silky gels or light creams by creating a subtle network between water and oil phases. This keeps products stable, helps them spread evenly and leaves a smooth non-sticky finish.
It is not a headline ingredient but it shows up in select leave-in conditioners, clear styling gels, light serums and spray lotions where a polished feel is key.
Safety data point to a low risk of irritation or toxicity at normal use levels, yet skin can be unpredictable so doing a quick patch test with any new product containing it is always a good idea.