Ingredient review
Polyurethane-62
INCI: Polyurethane-62
Polyurethane-62 is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer, feel smooth, and resist water, but it offers no active skincare benefits.
In plain English
Polyurethane-62 is a plastic-like ingredient that creates a thin, flexible film on your skin. This film helps makeup stay put longer, makes sunscreens more water-resistant, and gives products a smooth, silky feel. It's not absorbed into the skin and doesn't provide moisture or active treatment—it's purely a performance enhancer for texture and longevity.
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-62 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-62.
- 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-62 is a synthetic polymer, a type of plastic made from repeating units called urethanes. In cosmetics, it's designed to form a flexible, breathable film on the skin or hair.
How it works
When applied, Polyurethane-62 spreads into a thin, even layer that dries to form a flexible film. This film adheres to the skin, locking in pigments and other ingredients, and resists removal by water, sweat, or sebum. It also helps products glide on smoothly and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.
Pros
Boosts wear time
Polyurethane-62 helps makeup and sunscreen stay in place for hours, reducing the need for reapplication.
Improves water resistance
It creates a barrier that resists water and sweat, making it ideal for waterproof formulas and active lifestyles.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefit
This ingredient is purely a performance enhancer—it doesn't hydrate, soothe, or treat the skin in any way.
May feel heavy
On very dry or sensitive skin, the film can feel tight or uncomfortable, especially if layered under multiple products.
Best for
- Anyone wanting long-lasting makeup or water-resistant sunscreen
- People with normal to oily skin who prefer a matte, stay-put finish
Use caution if
- Those with very dry or dehydrated skin may find film-formers uncomfortable or tightening
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyurethane-62 is considered safe for topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It is not absorbed into the skin, has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and is well-tolerated by most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on Polyurethane-62 is limited to its function as a film-former. Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels have found it safe for use in leave-on and rinse-off products. No peer-reviewed studies on long-term skin effects are available, but its chemical stability and lack of absorption support its safety profile.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and other major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Long-wear foundations, Waterproof mascaras, Sunscreens, Lip products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, Polyurethane-62 is not biodegradable. Its environmental impact depends on formulation and disposal, but it is not known to be a major pollutant at current usage levels.
Good to know
- Polyurethane-62 is considered non-comedogenic and generally safe for most skin types.
- It is often used in combination with other film-formers like acrylates copolymers for enhanced durability.
Common questions
What is Polyurethane-62 in beauty products?
Polyurethane-62 is a plastic-like ingredient that creates a thin, flexible film on your skin. This film helps makeup stay put longer, makes sunscreens more water-resistant, and gives products a smooth, silky feel. It's not absorbed into the skin and doesn't provide moisture or active treatment—it's purely a performance enhancer for texture and longevity.
What does Polyurethane-62 do in a beauty product?
When applied, Polyurethane-62 spreads into a thin, even layer that dries to form a flexible film. This film adheres to the skin, locking in pigments and other ingredients, and resists removal by water, sweat, or sebum. It also helps products glide on smoothly and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.
Is Polyurethane-62 safe for most people?
Polyurethane-62 is considered safe for topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It is not absorbed into the skin, has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and is well-tolerated by most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Polyurethane-62?
Those with very dry or dehydrated skin may find film-formers uncomfortable or tightening
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.