Polyurethane-48 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic film-former used to create flexible hold, water resistance, and a smooth coated feel in hair, makeup, and skin products.
What does Polyurethane-48 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic film-former used to create flexible hold, water resistance, and a smooth coated feel in hair, makeup, and skin products.
Is Polyurethane-48 clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient has friction because it is a synthetic plastic-type polymer rather than a skin-active or readily biodegradable material. It is generally low in direct irritation concern, but some standards scrutinize it for persistence and potential residual monomers from manufacture.
Is Polyurethane-48 sustainable?
This material is typically petroleum-derived and is not considered readily biodegradable. Its main sustainability issue is environmental persistence after rinse-off or disposal, rather than high acute irritation in use.
Is Polyurethane-48 COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS-organic or COSMOS-natural standards as a synthetic film-forming polymer. Its Green Chemistry fit is weak because it relies on nonrenewable feedstocks and has limited biodegradability, even though it can improve formula performance at low use levels.
How does Polyurethane-48 work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight synthetic resin built from carbamate linkages and soft polyol segments, which helps it form flexible, continuous films. It is usually supplied as a dispersion or solution, is chosen for humidity resistance and flexible hold, and must be matched with compatible solvents, neutralizers, and other film-formers to prevent tackiness or flaking.
Last updated 2026-05-14