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Polyurethane-15

What Polyurethane-15 is & what it does

Polyurethane-15 is a synthetic film-forming polymer made by reacting polyols with isocyanates. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it forms a flexible, water-resistant film on the skin, which is why it is often used to help products feel long-lasting and resist rub-off. A notable property is that this film can improve the water resistance of sunscreen and the wear of color cosmetics.

What does Polyurethane-15 do in skincare?

Polyurethane-15 is a film-forming polymer that lays down a flexible, water-resistant film on the skin. This is why it is often used to help sunscreens and color cosmetics feel long-lasting and resist rubbing off.

Is Polyurethane-15 natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. The polymer is made by reacting polyols with isocyanates to form a polyurethane chain designed for use in cosmetics.

Is Polyurethane-15 safe?

Polyurethane-15 is used as a cosmetic film former in skincare and sunscreen products. As with any ingredient, sensitivity can vary by person, so patch testing a new product is sensible. We do not make medical claims about it.

Sunscreens with Polyurethane-15

We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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