Polyurethane-1

What is Polyurethane-1?

Polyurethane-1 is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymer produced from polyurethane resins, featuring a structure that enables film formation. Primarily used in hair care items such as styling sprays, gels, and mousses, it also appears in makeup like mascaras and foundations. In formulations, it deposits a sheer, elastic sheath on hair shafts or skin, locking in styles against humidity, friction, and touch while preserving natural movement. This mechanism supports style retention without rigidity. Additionally, its binding properties unite particles in solid cosmetics, boosting compactness and preventing breakage in powders or sticks. Derived from controlled polymerization, it integrates seamlessly into water-based or alcohol systems, contributing to product stability and sensory appeal across rinse-off and leave-on applications.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Hair fixative
Provides style hold by forming a film on hair, helping maintain shape, reduce frizz, and improve durability in sprays, gels, and mousses.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Hair fixing
Improves style retention by depositing film-forming polymers that hold hair in place while balancing stiffness, flexibility, and humidity resistance.

Benefits

Provides humidity-resistant hold in hair styling products.

Forms protective films for extended makeup wear.

Strengthens product structure as a binder for better integrity.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals styling hair for all-day shape retention.
Those with rare sensitivities to synthetic polymers.
Users needing transfer-resistant makeup finishes.
Individuals preferring silicone- and polymer-free products.
People formulating or using cohesive solid cosmetics.
Users experiencing scalp irritation from film-formers.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low overall hazard by EWG assessments.
  • Non-comedogenic with a rating of 0.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyurethane-1

What is the main function of Polyurethane-1?

It acts as a film former, binder, and hair fixative to enhance hold and product stability.

Is Polyurethane-1 safe for skin?

Yes, it carries a low hazard rating and shows no comedogenic concerns.

Does it cause irritation?

Evidence indicates low irritation potential in cosmetic concentrations.