PEI-14M is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethyleneimine (~14,000,000 Daltons). At this MW, it functions more as a thickener, flocculant, and extreme-hold fixative than a conditioning agent. It is used almost exclusively in hair styling products where maximum hold is desired. Due to its very large molecular size, skin penetration is negligible.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Maximum hold — provides the strongest styling fixation of the PEI series
+ Thickening — adds viscosity to formulations at low concentrations
+ Water-resistant film — holds style even in humidity
+ Flocculating — used in water-treatment applications beyond cosmetics
Pros
+ Exceptionally effective at very low concentrations
+ Negligible skin absorption due to ultra-high MW
+ Long-lasting styling hold
Cons
− Can cause severe build-up and flaking if overused
− Difficult to remove — requires clarifying shampoo
− Not suitable for skincare — hair-only ingredient
− Potential environmental concern — not readily biodegradable
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Hair
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
2/5
Comedogenic Rating
N/A (hair)
EWG Score
3/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Maximum hold hair gel
0.1 - 1%
Hair spray / mousse
0.05 - 0.5%
Edge control pomade
0.1 - 0.5%
References
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
SpecialChem — High MW PEI applications. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/
EWG Skin Deep — PEI compounds. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/