Polyurethane-48

AKA: Polyurethane polymer, Film-forming agent

Synthetic

Occlusive

Not Clean

Polyurethane-48 is a copolymer of hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, adipic acid, isophorone diisocyanate, isophorone diamine and sodium N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminoethanesulfonic acid monomers.

Form

Powder

Functions

Film Forming

Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.

Creates Protective Barrier

Traditional Use

Synthetic polymer developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics as a film-forming and conditioning agent in hair and skin products.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR