Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer

TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a texture modifier and oil-absorbing powder, used to improve slip, blur, and a dry-touch finish in makeup, sunscreens, and skin care. It can also help reduce tack and support a more even film feel.

What does Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is primarily a texture modifier and oil-absorbing powder, used to improve slip, blur, and a dry-touch finish in makeup, sunscreens, and skin care. It can also help reduce tack and support a more even film feel.

Is Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient has friction because it is a synthetic, insoluble polymer rather than a readily biodegradable material. Some standards and retailer lists flag persistent polymer particles, especially when they function as sensory powders.

Is Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer sustainable?

This material is typically petrochemical-derived and is not expected to readily biodegrade in the environment. Its main sustainability concern is persistence as an insoluble polymer particle rather than acute skin tolerance.

Is Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer COSMOS-approved?

It is not aligned with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic expectations for cosmetic ingredients because it is a synthetic crosslinked polymer. From a Green Chemistry view, it scores poorly on renewable sourcing and end-of-life biodegradability, even though it can be inert and effective at low use levels.

How does Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer work chemically?

The molecule is a high-molecular-weight, crosslinked polyester network that forms insoluble, porous particles rather than dissolving into the formula. It is generally pH-stable in finished cosmetics, used as a dispersed solid for sensory modification and oil uptake, and is commonly paired with pigments, elastomers, esters, or oils to tune glide and payoff.

Last updated 2026-05-13