Ingredient review
Polyurethane-79
INCI: POLYURETHANE-79
Polyurethane-79 is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but it may feel heavy on some skin types.
In plain English
Polyurethane-79 is a man-made plastic-like ingredient that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or lashes. This film helps makeup stay put longer, resist sweat and water, and feel smooth. It's commonly found in long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, and lip products. While generally safe and non-irritating, it can feel a bit heavy or tight 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-79 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-79.
- 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-79 is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyurethane family. It is created in a lab by reacting polyols with isocyanates, resulting in a flexible, durable film-forming material. In cosmetics, it is used as a film former and texture enhancer.
How it works
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, continuous film of polyurethane-79 on the skin or lashes. This film physically locks in pigments and other ingredients, creating a water-resistant barrier that helps makeup resist smudging, fading, and transferring.
Pros
Long-lasting wear
Creates a durable film that helps makeup stay in place for hours, reducing the need for touch-ups.
Water and sweat resistant
Forms a barrier that repels moisture, making it ideal for humid conditions, workouts, or tear-prone eyes.
Cons and cautions
Can feel heavy
On very dry or sensitive skin, the film may feel tight, stiff, or uncomfortable, especially in cold weather.
Requires special removal
Because it's water-resistant, polyurethane-79 often needs an oil-based or dual-phase makeup remover to be fully cleansed away.
Best for
- People who want long-wearing, waterproof makeup
- Those with normal to oily skin looking for smudge-proof products
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry or sensitive skin who find film-formers uncomfortable
- Those who prefer entirely natural or water-soluble formulas
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyurethane-79 is generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, though individuals with very sensitive skin may experience mild tightness or discomfort.
Research notes
Research on polyurethane-79 specifically is limited, but the broader class of polyurethane film-formers is well-studied for cosmetic safety and efficacy. They are considered non-toxic and non-sensitizing at typical use levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. No specific concentration restrictions are commonly imposed.
- Common uses
- Long-wear foundations, Waterproof mascaras, Lip products, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, polyurethane-79 is not biodegradable. Its environmental impact depends on formulation and disposal methods.
Good to know
- Polyurethane-79 is considered safe by major regulatory bodies when used in cosmetics at typical concentrations.
- It is often combined with other film-formers to fine-tune the flexibility and durability of the final product.
Common questions
What is Polyurethane-79 in beauty products?
Polyurethane-79 is a man-made plastic-like ingredient that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin or lashes. This film helps makeup stay put longer, resist sweat and water, and feel smooth. It's commonly found in long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, and lip products. While generally safe and non-irritating, it can feel a bit heavy or tight on very dry or sensitive skin.
What does Polyurethane-79 do in a beauty product?
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, continuous film of polyurethane-79 on the skin or lashes. This film physically locks in pigments and other ingredients, creating a water-resistant barrier that helps makeup resist smudging, fading, and transferring.
Is Polyurethane-79 safe for most people?
Polyurethane-79 is generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, though individuals with very sensitive skin may experience mild tightness or discomfort.
Who should be careful with Polyurethane-79?
Individuals with very dry or sensitive skin who find film-formers uncomfortable Those who prefer entirely natural or water-soluble formulas
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.