[Problem] To provide: an active energy beam-curable composition for optical films that combines a low photoelastic coefficient and low retardation, good resistance to moist heat, and outstanding flexibility; an
optical film obtained using said composition; a
polarizer protective film; and a polarizing plate. [Solution] An energy beam-curable composition for forming optical films, containing: (A) urethane (
meth)
acrylate (A) having a photoelastic coefficient at 23°C when cured (hereinafter merely referred to as the "photoelastic coefficient") not exceeding 30 x 10-12Pa-1, and (B) a
polymer other than the component (A) and which has a photoelastic coefficient not exceeding 5 x 10-12Pa-1. The photoelastic coefficient when cured does not exceed 10 x 10-12Pa-1, in-plane retardation at the front and at a
diagonal of 40° and total retardation in the thickness direction when cured as measured at a thickness of 40mum does not exceed 5nm.