Polyurethane-55

Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Polyurethane-55 is the polymer formed by the reaction of Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-28, Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-14, and 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethy)cyclohexane. The polymer is capped with 4-hydroxybutyl 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