Question 1

What does Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a synthetic rheology modifier and associative thickener, used to build viscosity and improve suspension in water-based and surfactant-containing formulas. It can also support a smoother, more gel-like texture without relying on traditional gums.

Question 2

Is Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient has friction because it is an ethoxylated synthetic polymer and may require tight control of trace manufacturing residues. It is generally used for performance rather than skin benefit, and its main questions are processing-related rather than typical irritation concerns.

Question 3

Is Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is synthetic and largely petrochemical-derived, with limited renewable sourcing relevance. High-molecular-weight water-soluble polymers in this class are not typically considered readily biodegradable, so environmental persistence is the main sustainability drawback.

Question 4

Is Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is not aligned with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because it is a synthetic ethoxylated polymer. It has weak Green Chemistry alignment due to petrochemical feedstocks, limited biodegradability, and more complex polymer processing.

Question 5

How does Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a nonionic associative polyurethane-polyether polymer with hydrophobic end groups that can link micelles, oils, or other hydrophobic domains to increase viscosity. It is typically used at low levels as a rheology additive in aqueous systems, and performance depends strongly on surfactant type, salt level, and the presence of solubilized oils or fragrance.