Rate My SPF

Polyester-7

What Polyester-7 is & what it does

Polyester-7 is a synthetic film former used in sunscreens to lay down a thin, flexible layer on the skin. That film helps spread the UV filters more evenly, makes the product more water- and rub-resistant, and gives a smoother, longer-lasting finish. It does not protect from UV on its own, it supports the active filters and improves how the formula wears.

What is Polyester-7 and what does it do in sunscreen?

Polyester-7 is a synthetic film former. In a sunscreen it forms a thin, flexible layer on the skin that holds the formula in place, helps the UV filters sit evenly, and improves water and rub resistance. The result is a smoother finish and protection that wears longer. It does not absorb UV itself, its job is to support the filters and the way the product feels.

Is Polyester-7 safe?

Yes, for topical use it is considered safe. It is a large, film-forming polymer that stays on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed, and it is used at modest levels. It is non-reactive and well tolerated by most people, which is why it appears in many leave-on products like the 143 sunscreens in our catalog that use it.

Does Polyester-7 clog pores?

Generally no. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data, and as a film-forming polymer it sits on the surface rather than soaking into pores. People who are very acne-prone sometimes find heavy film formers feel occlusive, so if a product feels too sealing, the overall formula matters more than this one ingredient.

Is Polyester-7 a UV filter?

No. Polyester-7 does not block or absorb UV light. It is a film former that helps the actual sunscreen filters spread evenly and resist water and sweat. The SPF comes from the UV filters elsewhere on the ingredient list, Polyester-7 just helps that protection stay put.

What else is Polyester-7 called?

On a label it is listed by its INCI name, Polyester-7. It is a synthetic polyester polymer made for film-forming use in cosmetics, so you will usually see it among the texture and finish ingredients rather than near the actives. There is no common consumer nickname for it.

Is Polyester-7 natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. Polyester-7 is a man-made polymer designed specifically to form a smooth, water-resistant film, something that is hard to get from a single natural ingredient. Being synthetic is normal and expected for this kind of film former and does not make it any less safe for skin.

Sunscreens with Polyester-7

We rate 139 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients