Ingredient review
Polyurethane-77
INCI: Polyurethane-77
Polyurethane-77 is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but it may feel heavy on some skin types.
In plain English
Polyurethane-77 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 raincoat for your makeup or sunscreen — it helps products resist water, sweat, and smudging. It's commonly found in long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, and sunscreens that claim to stay on for hours. While it's generally considered safe and low-irritation, the film can feel a bit tight or heavy on very dry or sensitive skin.
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-77 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-77.
- 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-77 is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyurethane family. It is created through a chemical reaction between polyols and isocyanates, resulting in a flexible, durable material that can form a continuous film when applied to skin or hair.
How it works
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, flexible film of Polyurethane-77. This film adheres to the skin or hair surface, creating a physical barrier that helps lock in other ingredients and resist removal by water, sweat, or friction. It also helps suspend pigments evenly, improving color payoff and wear time.
Pros
Long-lasting wear
Creates a flexible film that helps makeup and sunscreen resist water, sweat, and rubbing, so you don't have to reapply as often.
Even pigment distribution
Helps suspend color pigments uniformly, leading to smoother, more consistent application in foundations and mascaras.
Cons and cautions
Can feel heavy or tight
The film-forming nature may cause a slight pulling or tightening sensation on dry or sensitive skin, which some find uncomfortable.
Requires double cleansing
Because it forms a water-resistant barrier, it often needs an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to be fully removed, adding an extra step to your routine.
Best for
- People who want long-wearing makeup or sunscreen
- Those with oily or combination skin who need smudge-proof products
Use caution if
- People with very dry or dehydrated skin who dislike a tight feel
- Those who prefer minimal or 'clean' ingredient lists
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyurethane-77 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, individuals with very sensitive or dry skin may experience a tight or heavy sensation. Always patch test new products.
Research notes
Polyurethane-77 is widely used in cosmetics for its film-forming properties. Safety assessments by industry panels and regulatory bodies have not identified significant concerns at typical use levels. Most evidence comes from formulation science rather than clinical studies on skin health.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no specific concentration restrictions. Always follow good manufacturing practices.
- Common uses
- Long-wear foundations, Waterproof mascaras, Sunscreens, Hair styling products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, Polyurethane-77 is not biodegradable. Its environmental impact depends on formulation and disposal methods.
Good to know
- Polyurethane-77 is often used in combination with other film-formers like acrylates copolymers to fine-tune the feel and durability of the film.
- It is considered non-comedogenic and low-irritation in typical cosmetic concentrations.
Common questions
What is Polyurethane-77 in beauty products?
Polyurethane-77 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 raincoat for your makeup or sunscreen — it helps products resist water, sweat, and smudging. It's commonly found in long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, and sunscreens that claim to stay on for hours. While it's generally considered safe and low-irritation, the film can feel a bit tight or heavy on very dry or sensitive skin.
What does Polyurethane-77 do in a beauty product?
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, flexible film of Polyurethane-77. This film adheres to the skin or hair surface, creating a physical barrier that helps lock in other ingredients and resist removal by water, sweat, or friction. It also helps suspend pigments evenly, improving color payoff and wear time.
Is Polyurethane-77 safe for most people?
Polyurethane-77 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, individuals with very sensitive or dry skin may experience a tight or heavy sensation. Always patch test new products.
Who should be careful with Polyurethane-77?
People with very dry or dehydrated skin who dislike a tight feel Those who prefer minimal or 'clean' ingredient lists
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.