What Is Polyurethane-82?
Polyurethane-82 is a man-made polymer created by joining small molecules called monomers into long, flexible chains. The process starts when isophorone diisocyanate reacts with isophorone diamine and PEG-10. This reaction forms a urethane backbone that is later “capped” with butyl acrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, then balanced, or quenched, with aminomethyl propanol to lock in stability. The final result is a clear, lightweight film former.
Polyurethanes have been used since the 1940s in coatings, foams and sealants. As cosmetic chemists looked for ingredients that could coat skin and hair without a heavy feel, they adapted these polymers for beauty products. Polyurethane-82 is part of that newer wave. Its balance of flexibility, transparency and water resistance makes it attractive to formulators who want a smooth, comfortable finish.
You will most often find Polyurethane-82 in liquid or gel items that need a flexible film on the surface. Typical examples include peel-off masks, long-wear foundations, tinted moisturizers, waterproof eyeliners, brow gels and certain hair styling creams or sprays. It may also appear in transfer-resistant lip colors and setting sprays where staying power is key.
Polyurethane-82’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Polyurethane-82 serves one main purpose in beauty products: it acts as a film former. By creating a thin, even layer on skin or hair, it helps makeup last longer, boosts shine, reduces smudging and provides a soft barrier that can lock in other active ingredients or moisture.
Who Can Use Polyurethane-82
Because it forms a weightless breathable film, Polyurethane-82 generally agrees with most skin types. Oily, combination and normal skin often appreciate its long-wear hold without a greasy feel, while dry skin can layer it over moisturizers for extra staying power. Extremely sensitive or allergy-prone users should proceed with caution since any synthetic polymer carries a small chance of irritation, though complaints are rare.
The material is made entirely from laboratory-synthesized chemicals rather than animal by-products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No specific research flags Polyurethane-82 as risky for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It sits on the skin surface with minimal absorption, yet ingredient safety while expecting or nursing is a personal matter. This is not medical advice and anyone in those groups should show the full product list to a qualified healthcare provider before use, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sun exposure or common actives like vitamin C or retinoids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Polyurethane-82 differ from one person to another. The points below outline potential issues, but most users experience none of them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or itching
- Contact dermatitis for individuals already sensitized to urethane polymers
- Watery or stinging eyes if the product migrates into the eye area
- Temporary clogged pores or buildup if very heavy layers are applied repeatedly without proper cleansing
If any discomfort, rash or other unexpected reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Polyurethane-82 is a lightweight synthetic polymer that sits on the skin in a thin breathable layer and contains no heavy oils or waxes known to block pores. Because it forms a flexible film that is removed with normal cleansing and does not penetrate deeply, the likelihood of pore congestion is very low, earning it a near non-comedogenic score of 1. This generally makes the ingredient acceptable for acne-prone or breakout-prone users, provided the overall formula is not loaded with other pore-clogging substances. Very occlusive layering or inadequate cleansing could raise the risk slightly, which is why it is not rated a perfect zero.
Summary
Polyurethane-82 is primarily a film former that creates an invisible flexible shield on skin or hair. This film improves makeup longevity, adds shine, limits smudging and helps lock in moisture or actives beneath it. Its water-resistant yet weightless nature is why formulators choose it for long-wear foundations, waterproof eyeliners, brow gels and certain hair styling products.
Despite its useful qualities Polyurethane-82 is not as widely talked about as silicones or traditional film formers, so you will mainly encounter it in niche or performance-driven cosmetics rather than every drugstore aisle. Still, its balance of comfort and durability is gaining quiet popularity among formulators who need staying power without a heavy feel.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation or sensitization for most skin types and minimal comedogenic potential when used properly. As with any new skincare or makeup product it is wise to patch test first and see how your own skin responds.