Common Name(s): Lauroyl pei-233/polycaprolactone copolymer,lauroyl pei-233/polycaprolactone copolymer,pei-pcl copolymer,lauroyl pei conditioning polymer
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Forms a conditioning film on hair and skin that locks in moisture and provides an antimicrobial barrier. the cationic charge helps it bind tightly to hair and skin surfaces.
Why It's Used: Lauroyl pei-233/polycaprolactone copolymer is selected for its dual-function cationic-film architecture — the pei amine backbone provides electrostatic substantivity to damaged hair cuticle while the polycaprolactone soft segment contributes biodegradable film flexibility and the lauroyl c12 cap provides hydrophobic surface anchoring.
How It Works: Cationic pei amines → electrostatic adsorption to anionic hair/skin surface; pcl segment → flexible conditioning film matrix; lauroyl c12 tails → hydrophobic anchoring.
Typically Found In: Hair care,leave-on conditioners,antimicrobial products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – film former
Secondary Functions: Antimicrobial support,conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic polymer.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. pei backbone may cause sensitivity at high concentrations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 2–3.
Works Well With: Conditioning polymers,panthenol,silicones
Avoid Combining With: High-charge anionic polymers (charge neutralization risk)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pei-pcl copolymer exploits charge contrast: cationic pei (pka ~10) is fully protonated at cosmetic ph 4–6, maximizing electrostatic binding to anionic damaged hair cuticle and amplifying deposition efficiency.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lauroyl pei-233/polycaprolactone copolymer film-forming review