Common Name(s): Polyester-34

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Creates a smooth, long-wearing film in color cosmetics for improved wear performance.

Why It's Used: Used in lipsticks, foundations, and mascaras for film-forming emolliency and color retention.

How It Works: Polyester-34 backbone forms a continuous flexible film; pendant ester groups provide emolliency; film-forming improves color retention and longevity in wear.

Typically Found In: Long-wear color cosmetics,lipsticks,foundations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – film former

Secondary Functions: Film former,emollient

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic polyester polymer; petrochemical-derived diols and diacids.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Waxes,silicones,color pigments

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Polyester-type film formers provide gloss and wear performance in color cosmetics; different polyester grades (34, 6, etc.) are optimized for specific cosmetic applications.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary