Ingredient review
Polyurethane-57
INCI: POLYURETHANE-57
Polyurethane-57 is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare products resist water, sweat, and transfer, but it offers no active skin benefits.
In plain English
Polyurethane-57 is a man-made polymer that dries down to form a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. Think of it like a clear, breathable plastic wrap that helps makeup stay put longer and keeps sunscreen from washing off easily. It doesn't moisturize or treat your skin—it's purely a performance ingredient for durability and wear.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Polyurethane-57 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Polyurethane-57.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Polyurethane-57 is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyurethane family. It is created in a lab by reacting diisocyanates with polyols, resulting in a flexible, water-resistant film. In cosmetics, it is used as a film-former to improve the longevity and water resistance of products.
How it works
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, continuous film of Polyurethane-57 on the skin or hair. This film physically blocks water and oil from breaking down the product underneath, helping makeup resist sweat, tears, and humidity. It also helps sunscreen actives stay evenly distributed for longer protection.
Pros
Boosts wear time
Polyurethane-57 helps makeup and sunscreen last through sweat, humidity, and water exposure, so you don't have to reapply as often.
Flexible feel
Unlike some older film-formers, Polyurethane-57 creates a flexible film that moves with your skin, reducing the risk of cracking or flaking.
Cons and cautions
No skin benefits
This ingredient does not moisturize, soothe, or treat the skin—it only improves product performance, so it adds no active value to your routine.
Can be hard to remove
Because it forms a water-resistant film, products containing Polyurethane-57 often require an oil-based cleanser or double cleansing to fully remove, which may be inconvenient.
Best for
- People who want long-wearing, waterproof makeup or sunscreen
- Those with oily or combination skin who need products that resist sweat and shine
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry or sensitive skin who may find film-formers tight or irritating
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyurethane-57 is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though individuals with very sensitive skin may experience tightness or dryness. No significant systemic toxicity concerns have been identified.
Research notes
Research on Polyurethane-57 is limited to its function as a film-former. Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and other bodies have concluded that polyurethane polymers are safe for cosmetic use. No peer-reviewed studies on long-term skin effects were found.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated polyurethane polymers and found them safe for topical use at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Long-wear foundations, Waterproof mascaras, Sunscreens, Hair styling products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, Polyurethane-57 is not biodegradable and may persist in the environment. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based alternatives, but these are not yet widely available.
Good to know
- Polyurethane-57 is often used in combination with other film-formers like acrylates copolymer for even better durability.
- It is considered safe for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies when used as directed.
Common questions
What is Polyurethane-57 in beauty products?
Polyurethane-57 is a man-made polymer that dries down to form a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. Think of it like a clear, breathable plastic wrap that helps makeup stay put longer and keeps sunscreen from washing off easily. It doesn't moisturize or treat your skin—it's purely a performance ingredient for durability and wear.
What does Polyurethane-57 do in a beauty product?
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, continuous film of Polyurethane-57 on the skin or hair. This film physically blocks water and oil from breaking down the product underneath, helping makeup resist sweat, tears, and humidity. It also helps sunscreen actives stay evenly distributed for longer protection.
Is Polyurethane-57 safe for most people?
Polyurethane-57 is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though individuals with very sensitive skin may experience tightness or dryness. No significant systemic toxicity concerns have been identified.
Who should be careful with Polyurethane-57?
Individuals with very dry or sensitive skin who may find film-formers tight or irritating
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.