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binding film forming

Pullulan

Pullulan

Characteristics

INCI
Pullulan
CAS
9057-02-7
EC
232-945-1
Functions
binding, film forming

Who it's for

Skin Type
▲ Dry ▲ Normal ▲ Sensitive ▲ Acne-Prone
Face Concern
▲ Hydration ▲ Firming
Application Area
▲ Face ▲ Body ▲ Hair ▲ Scalp ▲ Eyes ▲ Lips
pullulan is a polysaccharide produced from starch by cultivating the yeast, aureobasidium pullulans

Description

If you ever wondered what those little Listerine breath strips were made of, you found your answer! Pullulan is a polysaccharide polymer, which basically means that it’s a big molecule made up of smaller sugar molecule units.

It dissolves in water and can make a thin, elastic, and moisture-absorbing film when spread on the skin that can cause an instant tightening effect. It can also be used as a thickener to get a silicone-like feel and can be used in peel-off masks. Btw, it's made from fungus via fermentation. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Pullulan

What is pullulan in skincare and cosmetics?
Pullulan is a polysaccharide made by fermentation, most often from starch using the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. In cosmetics, it is used mainly as a film-former and skin-conditioning ingredient. It can help products feel smoother on the skin and may create a temporary tightening or smoothing effect.
Is pullulan considered a natural ingredient?
Pullulan is usually considered a fermentation-derived ingredient because it is produced by microorganisms from plant-based sugars or starches. That makes it different from synthetic polymers made entirely from petrochemical sources. Whether a product can be called “natural” depends on the brand’s standards and the certification system being used.
What are the benefits of pullulan for skin?
Pullulan can form a thin, flexible film on the skin, which may help improve the feel and appearance of a product. This film can give a temporary smoothing or firming effect and can also help with product texture and adhesion. It is not a treatment ingredient for long-term skin changes, but it can make formulas feel elegant and supportive on the skin.
Can pullulan help with wrinkles or firming?
Pullulan can create an immediate tightening sensation because it dries down into a film on the skin. That effect is temporary and mostly cosmetic, so it does not replace ingredients that work deeper in the skin over time. It can, however, make fine lines look less noticeable for a short period.
Is pullulan safe to use on skin?
Pullulan is generally considered a low-risk cosmetic ingredient and is commonly used in leave-on and rinse-off products. It is well tolerated by most people, though any ingredient can potentially irritate very sensitive skin depending on the full formula. If you have reactive skin, patch testing a new product is still a good idea.

Evidence & Research on Pullulan

Scientific publications & sources 2
  • 1
    “Pullulan for film formation and texture creation.” Hayashibara, 2017.
  • 2
    “Pullulan instant lifting effect.” Hayashibara, 2017.

Products with Pullulan (2 644 total)

Most often found in Be Minimalist products (38 items)

All 2 644 products →
Synonyms
*Pullulan Bururan Pullulan⁠ Pullulan (†Fermentation) Pullulan (1) Pullulan (Antioxidant) Pullulan (Botanical Derived)** Pullulan (Ecocert Natural) Pullulan (Film-Forming) Pullulan (Firming) Pullulan (Natural Stabilizer/Viscosity Enhancer) Pullulan (Non-Gmo) Pullulan (Plant Source) Pullulan (Plant-Derived Moisturizing Agent)° Pullulan (Plant-Derived Thickener)*