Common Name(s): Pullulan,aureobasidium fermentation polysaccharide,instant film-former
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Forms a transparent, flexible film on skin within minutes of application that physically tightens surface texture and reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines โ providing the visible 'instant lifting' effect used in eye creams and prestige anti-aging serums.
Why It's Used: Pullulan provides the immediate visible lifting effect that biological actives (peptides, retinoids) require weeks to produce โ enabling 'instant + long-term' positioning where the pullulan film delivers the immediate visual result while slower actives provide the cumulative benefit.
How It Works: Pullulan film forms by water evaporation after application โ the polysaccharide chains entangle and h-bond forming a cohesive biopolymer network on the skin surface. the film's tensile strength provides physical compression of superficial wrinkles and pores. the film is water-resistant (resists perspiration) but fully biodegradable from the natural polysaccharide structure.
Typically Found In: Eye creams,anti-aging prestige serums,instant effect
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pullulan film tensile properties: young's modulus ~1.5 gpa dry โ sufficient for physical skin surface compression and tightening perception. the film softens progressively through the day as skin moisture is absorbed, providing a self-regulating wear-down that matches skin dynamics.
Last Verified: Cosing database,pullulan instant film-forming lifting review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12