Polyurethane-5
AKA “Polyurethane polymer, Film-forming agent
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyurethane-5
AKA: Polyurethane polymer, Film-forming agent
Synthetic · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Creates a lightweight, flexible coating that helps products stay put and smooth on skin without feeling stiff or heavy.
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Creates Protective Barrier
Traditional Use
Synthetic polymer developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics as a film-forming and conditioning agent in hair and skin products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Polyurethane-5
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-50
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-51
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-52
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-53
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-54
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-55
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-56
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-57
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-58
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyurethane-59
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
Polyurethane-5 — Duck Heart Ghost