Polyurethane-53

Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Polyurethane-53 is a copolymer of poly(1,4-butanediol), isophorone diisocyanate and 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate
Functions
Nail Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Strengthens nails
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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