Film-Forming Agent
134 ingredients in this category
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE
A synthetic film-forming agent used primarily in nail and specialist skincare products
Abies Balsamea Resin
ABIES BALSAMEA RESIN
A resin extract traditionally used to support wound healing and skin barrier function
Acacia Catechu Gum
ACACIA CATECHU GUM
A plant-derived film former that helps formulations adhere to skin and maintain texture
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
Citric Acid
Acetyl tributyl citrate is an ingredient that’s related to citric acid
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on skin
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
ACRYLATES/C12-22 ALKYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film layer on the skin surface
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
ACRYLATES/POLYTRIMETHYLSILOXYMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective layer on skin
Albumen
Egg White
Another name for egg white Used as food and as a food additive
Amp-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer
AMP-ACRYLATES/ALLYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A polymer that forms a protective film, commonly used in hair and occasional skincare formulations
Avena Sativa Kernel Protein
AVENA SATIVA KERNEL PROTEIN
Plant protein that conditions skin and may help calm inflammatory responses
Boswellia Serrata Gum
BOSWELLIA SERRATA GUM
A resin extract traditionally used to address inflammatory skin concerns
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS/ALEURITES FORDI OIL COPOLYMER
A synthetic film-former that conditions skin and helps formulations hold their structure
C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
No known benefits
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
CAESALPINIA SPINOSA GUM
A plant-derived gum that conditions skin and helps formulations maintain their texture
Candelilla Wax Esters
CANDELILLA WAX ESTERS
A plant-derived wax ester that forms a protective film on skin
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
CAPRYLOYL GLYCERIN/SEBACIC ACID COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that conditions skin and hair whilst creating a protective barrier
Carboxymethyl Chitosan
CARBOXYMETHYL CHITOSAN
A film-forming polymer derived from chitosan that stabilises texture and supports skin hydration
Carnauba Acid Wax
CARNAUBA ACID WAX
A plant-derived wax that strengthens the skin's protective barrier
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract
CAULERPA LENTILLIFERA EXTRACT
A marine polysaccharide extract with potential for hydration and pigmentation support
Cellulose Acetate
CELLULOSE ACETATE
A film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on skin
Chitosan
CHITOSAN
A natural polysaccharide with film-forming and antimicrobial properties derived from shellfish
Colophonium
COLOPHONIUM
A natural resin used primarily in adhesive formulations and film-forming products
Copaifera Officinalis Resin
COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS RESIN
A resinous film-former derived from South American copaiba trees
Corn Starch Modified
CORN STARCH MODIFIED
A modified starch that absorbs moisture and helps formulations maintain their texture
Corn Starch/Maltodextrin Crosspolymer
CORN STARCH/MALTODEXTRIN CROSSPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that creates a smooth, protective layer on skin
Desamido Collagen
DESAMIDO COLLAGEN
A breakdown product of collagen that conditions skin and hair whilst forming a protective film
Di-PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Adipate
Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
DIBUTYL LAUROYL GLUTAMIDE
A conditioning agent that forms a protective layer on skin and hair
Diethyl Phthalate
DIETHYL PHTHALATE
A synthetic chemical used to improve texture and preserve fragrance in cosmetic formulations
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
DILINOLEIC ACID/BUTANEDIOL COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible protective layer on the skin surface
Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXA C5-9 ACID ESTERS
A synthetic ester that conditions skin and hair whilst providing a smooth, lightweight feel
Dodecanedioic Acid/Cetearyl Alcohol/Glycol Copolymer
DODECANEDIOIC ACID/CETEARYL ALCOHOL/GLYCOL COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that stabilises texture and viscosity in skincare formulations
Ethylcellulose
ETHYLCELLULOSE
A film-forming polymer that stabilises formulations and aids ingredient delivery
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
ETHYLENE/METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on skin
Ethylene/Octene Copolymer
ETHYLENE/OCTENE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a smooth, protective layer on the skin surface
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera Extract
EUPHORBIA CERIFERA CERA EXTRACT
A plant-derived wax that strengthens product texture and creates a protective film on skin
Film-Forming Agent
PVP
Large group of ingredients used in both haircare and skincare
Gelatin
GELATIN
A protein-derived film-former that creates a protective layer on skin
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
GLYCERYL POLYACRYLATE
A film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on the skin surface
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid
Hema
HEMA
A film-forming polymer commonly used in nail and speciality skincare products
Hydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
HYDROGENATED STYRENE/BUTADIENE COPOLYMER
A polymer that forms a protective layer and helps stabilise product texture
Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
HYDROGENATED STYRENE/METHYLSTYRENE/INDENE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film and thickens formulations
Hydrolyzed Chitosan
HYDROLYZED CHITOSAN
A polysaccharide derivative that conditions skin and hair while supporting hydration
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
HYDROLYZED JOJOBA ESTERS
A hydrolysed plant-derived emollient that supports skin hydration and texture
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Seed Extract
HYDROLYZED JOJOBA SEED EXTRACT
A film-forming extract that helps smooth and condition the skin surface
Hydrolyzed Mallow Leaf Extract
HYDROLYZED MALLOW LEAF EXTRACT
A plant-derived film-former that helps protect and support the skin's surface
Hydrolyzed Rhizobian Gum
HYDROLYZED RHIZOBIAN GUM
A plant-derived film-former that may support skin hydration from within
Hydrolyzed Sponge Extract
HYDROLYZED SPONGE EXTRACT
A marine-derived film former that conditions and smooths the skin's surface
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN/PVP CROSSPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that conditions and helps hair and skincare formulations hold their structure
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HYALURONATE
A film-forming humectant that supports hydration and skin surface conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HYDROLYZED CORN STARCH
A corn-derived conditioning agent that forms a protective film on skin
Isomerized Linoleic Acid
ISOMERIZED LINOLEIC ACID
A fatty acid derivative that supports skin barrier function and conditioning
Isophorone Diamine/Cyclohexylamine/Isophthalic Acid/Azelaic Acid Copolymer
ISOPHORONE DIAMINE/CYCLOHEXYLAMINE/ISOPHTHALIC ACID/AZELAIC ACID COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that helps create a smooth, even base layer on skin
Lauryl Acrylate Crosspolymer
LAURYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that provides hold and texture to hair and scalp formulations
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Functions: Film Forming, Hair Fixative
Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer
LAURYL METHACRYLATE/SODIUM METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on the skin surface
Levan
LEVAN
A film-forming polysaccharide that supports skin hydration and barrier function
Maltodextrin/Vp Copolymer
MALTODEXTRIN/VP COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that helps skincare products adhere to and coat the skin
Mannan
MANNAN
A polysaccharide that forms a protective layer on the skin surface
Methacrylic Acid
METHACRYLIC ACID
A film-forming polymer used primarily in nail care and specialist wound-healing applications
Methacrylic Acid/Sodium Acrylamidomethyl Propane Sulfonate Copolymer
METHACRYLIC ACID/SODIUM ACRYLAMIDOMETHYL PROPANE SULFONATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible film to support product texture and wear
Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
METHYL HYDROGENATED ROSINATE
A resin-derived film former that helps products adhere to skin and maintain integrity
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective film on the skin surface
Myroxylon Balsamum Resin
MYROXYLON BALSAMUM RESIN
A resinous extract with historical use in wound healing and skin conditioning
Myroxylon Pereirae Resin
MYROXYLON PEREIRAE RESIN
A resin extract traditionally used for its film-forming and conditioning properties in skincare formulations
Natto Gum
NATTO GUM
A plant-derived film-former derived from fermented soybean that supports formulation stability
Octanediol
OCTANEDIOL
A multifunctional diol that supports skin barrier function and penetration
Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
OCTYLACRYLAMIDE/ACRYLATES/BUTYLAMINOETHYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film layer on skin
Olaflur
OLAFLUR
A fluorine compound used primarily in oral care and hair fixative applications
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
PARACHLORELLA BEIJERINCKII EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES
A polysaccharide film-former derived from microalgae that helps protect and condition skin
PEG-150/Stearyl Alcohol/Smdi Copolymer
PEG-150/STEARYL ALCOHOL/SMDI COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that creates texture and stability in skincare formulations
PEG-Crosspolymer
PEG-CROSSPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that creates a smooth surface layer on skin
Phthalic Anhydride/Benzoic Acid/Glycerin Copolymer
PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE/BENZOIC ACID/GLYCERIN COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective film across the skin surface
Phthalic Anhydride/Benzoic Acid/Trimethylolpropane Copolymer
PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE/BENZOIC ACID/TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective film over the skin surface
Phthalic Anhydride/Glycerin/Glycidyl Decanoate Copolymer
PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE/GLYCERIN/GLYCIDYL DECANOATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates texture and stability in skincare formulations
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
PISTACIA LENTISCUS GUM
A natural resin that forms a protective film on skin
Poly-P-Phenylene Terephthalamide
POLY-P-PHENYLENE TEREPHTHALAMIDE
A synthetic fibre that forms a protective film layer on the skin's surface
Poly(Dimer Hempseed Oil)
POLY(DIMER HEMPSEED OIL)
A film-forming oil derivative that conditions skin and stabilises product texture
Polyacrylate-13
POLYACRYLATE-13
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film layer on skin
Polyacrylate-21
POLYACRYLATE-21
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film on the skin surface
Polyamide-1
POLYAMIDE-1
A synthetic film-former that creates a protective layer on the skin's surface
Polybutylene Terephthalate
POLYBUTYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
A synthetic polymer that forms protective films and controls texture in skincare formulations
Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/Ipdi Copolymer
POLYDIETHYLENEGLYCOL ADIPATE/IPDI COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective layer on skin
Polyester-32
POLYESTER-32
A synthetic film-former that creates a smooth, protective layer on the skin's surface
Polyester-37
POLYESTER-37
A synthetic film-former that conditions skin and hair with a lightweight, flexible finish
Polyester-7
POLYESTER-7
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective layer whilst supporting product texture
Polyethylene Terephthalate
POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective layer on the skin surface
Polyethyloxazoline
POLYETHYLOXAZOLINE
A synthetic polymer that absorbs moisture and helps formulations maintain structure
Polymethyl Methacrylate
POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE
A film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on the skin surface
Polyquaternium-11
POLYQUATERNIUM-11
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair fibre and reduces static
Polyquaternium-2
POLYQUATERNIUM-2
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair cuticle and reduces static
Polyquaternium-22
POLYQUATERNIUM-22
A film-forming polymer that helps reduce static and improves product texture
Polyquaternium-28
POLYQUATERNIUM-28
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair fibre and reduces static
Polyquaternium-37
POLYQUATERNIUM-37
A conditioning polymer that smooths hair texture and reduces static
Polyquaternium-4
POLYQUATERNIUM-4
A conditioning polymer that smooths hair texture and reduces static charge
Polyquaternium-44
POLYQUATERNIUM-44
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair fibre and reduces static
Polyquaternium-47
POLYQUATERNIUM-47
A film-forming polymer that conditions skin and helps products adhere to the surface
Polyquaternium-6
POLYQUATERNIUM-6
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair fibre and reduces static
Polyquaternium-67
POLYQUATERNIUM-67
A conditioning polymer that forms a protective layer on hair and scalp
Polyquaternium-72
POLYQUATERNIUM-72
A conditioning polymer that smooths and protects hair fibre surfaces
Polyquaternium-73
POLYQUATERNIUM-73
A conditioning polymer that smooths and protects hair fibre surfaces
Polystyrene
POLYSTYRENE
A film-forming polymer with emerging safety considerations for topical use
Polyurethane-10
POLYURETHANE-10
A synthetic film-former that creates a protective layer on skin
Polyurethane-11
POLYURETHANE-11
A synthetic film-former that creates a protective layer on the skin surface
Polyurethane-14
POLYURETHANE-14
A synthetic film-former that creates a protective layer on the skin surface
Polyurethane-9
POLYURETHANE-9
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film layer on skin
Polyvinyl Alcohol
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
A film-forming polymer that helps stabilise product texture and create a protective layer on skin
Polyvinyl Stearyl Ether
POLYVINYL STEARYL ETHER
A film-forming conditioning agent that helps create a smooth, even skin surface
Quaternium-22
QUATERNIUM-22
A conditioning agent that helps improve texture and smoothness in haircare formulations
Rosin Acrylate
ROSIN ACRYLATE
A film-forming polymer derived from renewable plant sources, primarily used in hair and styling products
Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen
ROSIN HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN
A hydrolysed protein that conditions hair and forms a protective film on skin
Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
SODIUM ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
A polymer that forms a protective film on skin to improve texture and product feel
Sodium Laneth-40 Maleate/Styrene Sulfonate Copolymer
SODIUM LANETH-40 MALEATE/STYRENE SULFONATE COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer primarily used in hair and styling products
Styrax Benzoin Gum
STYRAX BENZOIN GUM
A resinous extract that conditions skin and serves as a natural fragrance component
Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract
STYRAX BENZOIN RESIN EXTRACT
A resin extract used primarily for fragrance and film-forming properties in skincare
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER
A synthetic film-former that creates a smooth, even surface on skin
Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
STYRENE/ISOPRENE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film on the skin surface
Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
STYRENE/METHYLSTYRENE/INDENE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a smooth, even finish and helps formulations appear less transparent
Styrene/Vp Copolymer
STYRENE/VP COPOLYMER
A polymer that creates a protective film layer on skin
Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract
TILIA TOMENTOSA BUD EXTRACT
A plant extract that conditions and softens hair and skin
Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin
TOSYLAMIDE/FORMALDEHYDE RESIN
A film-forming resin used primarily in nail and lip cosmetics for durability
Tributyl Citrate
TRIBUTYL CITRATE
A film-forming solvent that creates a protective layer in cosmetic formulations
Trimethylsiloxysilylcarbamoyl Pullulan
TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILYLCARBAMOYL PULLULAN
A film-forming polysaccharide derived from microbial fermentation, used primarily in texture and wear
VA/Crotonates Copolymer
VA/crotonates copolymer is a synthetic polymer used as a
Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
VP/DIMETHYLAMINOETHYLMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that creates structure and hold in skincare formulations
Vp/Dmapa Acrylates Copolymer
VP/DMAPA ACRYLATES COPOLYMER
A film-forming polymer that provides structural support and hold in skincare formulations
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
VP Eicosene Copolymer
Film-forming agent often used in water-resistant sunscreens to improve adherence to skin Also works as a viscosity-increasing agent to enhance texture
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that creates a protective film and stabilises product texture
VP/VA Copolymer
Vinyl Acetate, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
A polymer, or large molecule, used in skin and hair care Film-forming agent that can hinder moisture loss
Wool Extract
WOOL EXTRACT
A protein-rich extract derived from sheep's wool with conditioning and film-forming properties
Yeast Beta-Glucan
YEAST BETA-GLUCAN
A natural polysaccharide that conditions skin and supports its protective barrier
Yeast Polysaccharides
YEAST POLYSACCHARIDES
Fermented yeast extract that conditions and protects the skin barrier
Zein
ZEIN
A natural film-forming protein that conditions hair and skin with a protective layer