Common Name(s): Polyurethane-59,polyurethane film-former,long-wear elastic film
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides flexible, highly adhesive, water-resistant film on skin for 24-hour cosmetics that withstand perspiration, humidity, and facial movement without cracking or flaking.
Why It's Used: Polyurethane's unique combination of strong substrate adhesion (from urethane h-bonding) and elastic flexibility (from soft segment molecular mobility) provides the long-wear film performance unavailable from simpler film-formers.
How It Works: Urethane (-nhcoo-) groups provide strong h-bonding to skin proteins (adhesion). phase-separated morphology: hard segments (diisocyanate/chain extender) provide structural rigidity; soft segments (polyol 1000โ4000 da) provide rubbery elasticity. the semi-crystalline network provides high elastic recovery enabling comfortable wear through 40,000+ facial expressions per day.
Typically Found In: Long-wear make-up,mascara,foundation
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
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 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ 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: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions (water-dispersed) are used in cosmetics โ distinct from solvent-based industrial pu. the aqueous dispersion provides film properties without voc solvents, meeting cosmetic environmental and safety requirements.
Last Verified: Cosing database,polyurethane-59 polyurethane film-former review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12