Pullulan

INCI: PULLULAN

CAS Number
9057-02-7
Function
Film former; anti-pollution barrier; skin-tightening agent; biodegradable polysaccharide; PM2.5 adhesion shield; instant lifting effect via film tension
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 0.5โ€“5%
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted in cosmetics; no FDA restrictions; used in masks, serums, and primers for tightening and film-forming effects; FDA food approval (GRAS) supports safety profile

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Pullulan is a biodegradable, fermentation-derived polysaccharide that provides an elegant physical anti-pollution barrier. Its film-forming action creates a breathable, invisible shield on the skin surface that prevents particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) from adhering to and penetrating the stratum corneum. This is a genuinely distinct mechanism from antioxidant defense: it prevents exposure rather than neutralizing damage after contact. The simultaneous skin-tightening effect from film tension provides an immediate cosmetic benefit that drives consumer compliance. Biodegradable and eco-friendly with excellent clean-label credentials. Best used at 1โ€“3% in anti-pollution primers, day creams, and leave-on products targeting urban skin. Synergizes with Alteromonas Ferment Extract for complementary film-forming coverage.

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Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

anti-pollution film-former pm-adhesion-shield biodegradable skin-tightening fermentation-derived polysaccharide physical-barrier breathable-film clean-label jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pullulan safe in cosmetics?

Pullulan is a biodegradable, fermentation-derived polysaccharide that provides an elegant physical anti-pollution barrier. Its film-forming action creates a breathable, invisible shield on the skin surface that prevents particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) from adhering to and penetrating the stratum corneum. This is a genuinely distinct mechanism from antioxidant defense: it prevents exposure rather than neutralizing damage after contact. The simultaneous skin-tightening effect from film tension provides an immediate cosmetic benefit that drives consumer compliance. Biodegradable and eco-friendly with excellent clean-label credentials. Best used at 1โ€“3% in anti-pollution primers, day creams, and leave-on products targeting urban skin. Synergizes with Alteromonas Ferment Extract for complementary film-forming coverage. The EU classifies Pullulan as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Pullulan allowed in the EU?

Pullulan EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.5โ€“5%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Pullulan do in cosmetics?

Pullulan functions as: Film former; anti-pollution barrier; skin-tightening agent; biodegradable polysaccharide; PM2.5 adhesion shield; instant lifting effect via film tension. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9057-02-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Pullulan?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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