VP/Eicosene Copolymer ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic film-former and binder used to improve wear, adhesion, gloss, and water resistance in color cosmetics, sunscreens, and long-wear products.
What does VP/Eicosene Copolymer do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic film-former and binder used to improve wear, adhesion, gloss, and water resistance in color cosmetics, sunscreens, and long-wear products.
Is VP/Eicosene Copolymer clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it has friction because it is a synthetic polymer that some standards screen under microplastic or persistent-polymer policies. Skin tolerance is generally good due to its high molecular weight, but residual monomer and solvent specifications matter.
Is VP/Eicosene Copolymer sustainable?
This material is typically derived from petrochemical feedstocks and is not considered readily biodegradable. Its main sustainability concern is environmental persistence after rinse-off or product removal, rather than high acute irritation potential.
Is VP/Eicosene Copolymer COSMOS-approved?
It is not aligned with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because synthetic petrochemical film-forming polymers are outside the standard’s permitted material framework. It also scores weakly against Green Chemistry priorities for renewable sourcing and biodegradability.
How does VP/Eicosene Copolymer work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight amphiphilic polymer with polar lactam units and long C20 hydrophobic side chains, which helps it form flexible, water-resistant films on skin and hair. It is commonly used at roughly 0.5 to 5% active in long-wear and water-resistant systems, with performance depending strongly on oil phase compatibility and solvent choice.
Last updated 2026-05-13