Abstract: The present invention is directed to monomeric and polymeric compositions based upon polymeric urethane surfactants which are derived from linear, branched, or aromatic compounds of synthetic or natural origin, preferably from tertiary amines and diisocyanate compounds. The urethane polymers of the present invention may be in the form of betaines, quaternium salts, tertiary amine salts or N-oxides. The compounds of the present invention may be incorporated into personal care formulations such as cosmetics, dental care products and toiletries to improve at least one and preferably two or more characteristics of such formulations.