Pullulan

PULL-yoo-lan

Conditioning Agent, Film Former 9/10 Safety CG ApprovedClean Natural Vegan

What Is Pullulan?

A polysaccharide produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It forms a tight, transparent film on hair that provides a smoothing and tightening effect.

Source: Fermentation by Aureobasidium pullulans fungus

Origin: Natural

Also known as: Pullulan Polysaccharide

What Does Pullulan Do to Your Hair?

Creates an instant skin-tightening and hair-smoothing effect by forming a thin, transparent, and highly adherent film. Provides temporary smoothing and fills in gaps in the hair cuticle. Biodegradable and water-soluble.

Best For

Damaged hair, frizzy hair, all hair types, fine hair

Not Recommended For

None known

Concentration Matters

0.5-5% in products

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight
Heat-damaged: Beneficial

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Approved
CG Approved

Safety & Regulation

9/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Extremely safe. Used in food as a coating and packaging material. Non-toxic, non-irritating, and fully biodegradable. Produced by fermentation.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA classifies as GRAS for food use. Safe for cosmetic applications.

EWG Score: 1/10

HairAide Verdict

A fascinating naturally-derived film former that provides instant visible smoothing. Safe and effective with a unique tightening effect that shows results immediately. Great in anti-frizz and smoothing formulations.

Products That Contain Pullulan

Smoothing treatments, anti-aging hair products, volumizing products, finishing sprays

Alternatives to Pullulan

If you want to avoid Pullulan, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Maltodextrin, Dextrin, Hydroxyethylcellulose

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pullulan safe for hair?

Yes, Pullulan has a safety rating of 9/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Extremely safe. Used in food as a coating and packaging material. Non-toxic, non-irritating, and fully biodegradable. Produced by fermentation.

Is Pullulan bad for curly hair?

Pullulan is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.

Is Pullulan CG-method approved?

Yes, Pullulan is approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Pullulan?

Some alternatives to Pullulan include: Maltodextrin, Dextrin, Hydroxyethylcellulose

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