A water-soluble, fermentation-derived polysaccharide for formulas that need a light cosmetic film, smoother feel and stronger surface adhesion. Pullulan functions as a binder and film former in serums, tightening products, masks, makeup and selected hair-care formats.
- Forms a continuous cosmetic film that can create an immediate tighter, smoother-looking finish. [R2–R4]
- Adds lubricity and a refined, smooth afterfeel to water-based skin-care systems. [R3–R4]
- Supports adhesion and wear in color-cosmetic and film-based product concepts. [R3–R4]
- Available in practical paid development sizes, with a bulk inquiry path for commercial supply.
Product Specifications / Key Facts
|
Product |
Pullulan Powder |
|
INCI |
Pullulan [R2] |
|
CAS Number |
9057-02-7 [R1, R8] |
|
Commercial Form |
White powder |
|
Ingredient Family |
Fermentation-derived polysaccharide / cosmetic polymer |
|
Primary Functions |
Binding; film forming [R2] |
|
Solubility |
Water soluble [R3–R4, R7] |
|
Use Category |
Cosmetic formulation raw material |
Key Benefits
Immediate tightening and smoothing effect: A drying Pullulan film can create an immediate tighter-feeling, smoother-looking cosmetic finish. [R3–R4]
Smooth, refined sensory feel: Pullulan can add lubricity and a smooth afterfeel to water-based formats without behaving like a conventional high-viscosity gum. [R3–R4]
Adhesion and wear support: Its binding and film-forming properties support surface adhesion in makeup, mascara and other wear-focused concepts. [R2–R4]
Flexible film and mask formats: Pullulan can form water-soluble films and carrier matrices for peel-off, wash-off, sheet-mask and dry-film concepts. [R3–R4, R6]
Why Formulators Choose Pullulan
- It combines film formation and binding with relatively low solution viscosity compared with many polysaccharide thickeners. [R3–R4]
- Comparable grades are readily water soluble and can be introduced through the water phase. [R3–R4, R7]
- Its film delivers immediate sensory and appearance effects through physical film formation.
- Pair it with humectants or rheology modifiers to tune flexibility, tack, slip and dry-down.
Typical Applications
- Face serums & essences: Immediate-smoothing, light film-forming serums.
- Creams & lotions:Slip and film support in emulsions.
- Peel-off / wash-off masks Higher-film systems with engineered dry-down and peel behavior.
- Sheet masks & dry films:Water-soluble carrier films and essence systems.
- Color cosmetics:Foundations and mascaras needing adhesion support.
- Hair & cleansing products: Formats needing film, adhesion or foam-retention support.
Quick Formulation Guide
|
Formulation Question |
Buyer Guidance |
|
DOSE |
General skincare: 0.5% – 5.0% |
|
PROCESS POINT |
Dissolves readily in cold or room-temperature water—no heating required. |
|
pH & COMPATIBILITY |
Stable across a very broad pH range (1 – 12)—highly compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. |
|
SCALE-UP |
Verify COA and TDS for assay/purity before pilot or production scale. |
|
Shelf life |
2 years. |
Why Source From Us
- Start with samples scale to bulk orders – one supplier from trial to production: Validate with lab samples, then scale to commercial volumes – same quality, same team. No re-qualification, no project delays.
- Formulation support that actually helps – not just a data sheet: We give you hands-on guidance on solubility, temperature, pH, and compatibility. A real formulation partner, not a catalog.
- Reliable supply chain – consistent quality, on-time delivery, batch after batch: Own manufacturing facilities plus long-term partnerships with audited upstream producers ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Full documentation with every shipment. No "sample passes, bulk fails"
- Export-ready documentation – compliance, customs, cleared:Complete technical documentation packages – COA, MSDS, TDS, stability data – batch-specific and regulatory-ready. We handle the paperwork so your compliance and procurement teams can focus on formulation
Recommended Ingredient Pairings
|
Recommended Ingredient |
Why It Pairs Well |
Product Concept |
Compatibility Note |
|
Glycerin |
Adds humectancy and can tune film flexibility and dry feel. |
Hydrating serum or mask |
Balance against tack and dry-down. |
|
Adds water-binding hydration alongside Pullulan film formation. |
Hydrating film serum |
Check polymer load, viscosity and pilling. |
|
|
Adds hydration and skin-comfort positioning. |
Comfort-focused serum |
Validate electrolytes and film feel. |
|
|
Adds barrier and tone-support positioning. |
Daily serum |
Validate the finished-formula pH. |
|
|
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Adds rheology when Pullulan alone provides insufficient body. |
Serum, gel or mask |
Optimize ratio to limit tack or pilling. |
Scientific Evidence Snapshot
Pullulan is a microbial polysaccharide used as a cosmetic binder and film former. [R2, R5] Supplier literature reports immediate film-driven tightening measurements plus lubricity and adhesion benefits. [R3–R4] Reviews also describe water-soluble Pullulan films as useful skin-contact carrier matrices. [R6] This supports film, sensory and delivery-format positioning—not permanent wrinkle correction.
Research & References
[R2] COSMILE Europe — PULLULAN
[R3] NAGASE — PULLULAN (Cosmetic Grade)
[R4] NAGASE — PULLULAN (Cosmetic Grade) Brochure
[R5] Cosmetic Ingredient Review — Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums
[R6] Coltelli et al. — Pullulan for Advanced Sustainable Body- and Skin-Contact Applications
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