Common Name(s): Polyethyloxazoline,synthetic polymer particle,film-former texture agent

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Polyethyloxazoline provides texture improvement, film formation, or mechanical property modification through its polymer chain architecture — either as a film-forming dissolved polymer that coats surfaces, or as discrete particles that improve slip, glide, and smooth feel on skin or hair.

Why It's Used: Formulators evaluate polyethyloxazoline against the eu microplastic restriction framework: if used as dispersed solid particles <5 mm, the ingredient falls under regulation 2023/2055 with phase-in restrictions and must be assessed for exempt status or reformulated. if used as a soluble film-former (fully dissolved in formulation), it is exempt from the microplastic definition. for applications requiring microplastic-regulated particle function (glide, soft-focus, absorbency), formulators are substituting natural biopolymer alternatives including starch powders, cellulose, and cosmos-certified mineral powders.

How It Works: Polyethyloxazoline functions through its synthetic polymer chain's physical properties: the backbone repeat units define hardness, melting point, and mechanical behaviour; molecular weight and distribution determine film quality and melt processability; particle morphology (spherical beads vs irregular) determines slip, abrasion, and optical characteristics. for film-forming applications, the polymer chains deposit from solution during drying, chain entanglement above tg provides film continuity and adhesion. for particulate applications, the polymer's mohs hardness and particle size distribution determine abrasive or glide characteristics — harder particles provide exfoliation while soft particles (below skin's hardness) provide glide and soft-focus.

Typically Found In: Film-forming,texture applications (verify microplastic status)

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Eu regulation 2023/2055 microplastic definition boundaries: the regulation defines microplastics as 'particles of synthetic polymers that are solid, resist degradation, are insoluble in water, not readily biodegradable, and are not excluded by other criteria.' a synthetic polymer used fully dissolved (solution film-former) is not a particle and not restricted. a degradable synthetic polymer (e.g. polylactic acid at >biodegradation threshold) may be exempt. only water-insoluble, biodegradation-resistant, solid-state particles are restricted — the regulation's scope excludes high-mw dissolved polymers that function as rheology modifiers, only targeting the discrete particulate use associated with microplastic environmental persistence.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,eu regulation 2023/2055 microplastic restriction review