Common Name(s): Polyurethane-42,long-wear elastic film-former,24h wear cosmetic polymer

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Forms a durable, water-resistant, elastically flexible film on skin providing 24-hour make-up wear that withstands perspiration, humidity, and facial movement without cracking or lifting.

Why It's Used: Polyurethane delivers what simpler film-formers cannot — simultaneous strong adhesion from urethane h-bonding and elastic flexibility from soft segment mobility required for all-day wearable cosmetics.

How It Works: Urethane groups (-nhcoo-) h-bond to skin proteins providing adhesion. microphase-separated soft domains (polyol, tg < -40c) absorb deformation elastically; hard domains (diisocyanate/chain extender) provide structural rigidity. result: film deforms under facial movement and recovers instantly without whitening or cracking.

Typically Found In: Long-wear foundation,mascara,waterproof products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

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

Polyurethane-42 is formulated as an aqueous polyurethane dispersion (pud) — zero voc solvents. film forms as water evaporates and pu particles coalesce above minimum film-forming temperature (mft 0-25c).

Last Verified: Cosing database,polyurethane-42 aqueous dispersion long-wear review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12