Pullulan ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a water-soluble film-former and binder, used to create a smooth, flexible film on skin or hair. It can also support instant tightening effects, texture, and pigment or powder adhesion in formulas.
What does Pullulan do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a water-soluble film-former and binder, used to create a smooth, flexible film on skin or hair. It can also support instant tightening effects, texture, and pigment or powder adhesion in formulas.
Is Pullulan clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, non-sensitizing, and not a common restricted-list concern. Its main review point is fermentation and processing quality, rather than the molecule itself.
Is Pullulan sustainable?
This material is typically made by microbial fermentation using carbohydrate feedstocks, so it can fit a renewable sourcing model. It is biodegradable and does not raise the persistence concerns associated with many synthetic film-formers.
Is Pullulan COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS natural and organic standards when made with compliant fermentation inputs and processing aids. It aligns well with Green Chemistry principles because it can be fermentation-derived, water-processable, and biodegradable.
How does Pullulan work chemically?
The molecule is an extracellular, water-soluble glucan built from repeating maltotriose units, with alpha-1,4 linkages within each triose and alpha-1,6 linkages between units. Typical use is about 0.1 to 5% for tightening films, binders, and texture, with higher levels possible in mask formats; it is stable across mildly acidic to neutral cosmetic pH and can be broken down by strong acid, enzymes, or prolonged microbial exposure.
Last updated 2026-05-13