Is polybutene toxic?

Author: Emely Ward  |  Last update: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Polybutene generally is of low acute toxicity but causes eye irritation (Toxicity Category II). No other toxicological endpoints are of concern for workers or homeowners exposed to polybutene. No food-related uses are registered so dietary exposure is not of concern.

Is polybutene in lip gloss safe?

In summary, Polybutene is considered safe for use in lip gloss and other beauty products. Backed by regulatory approvals and safety studies, it offers both functional benefits and peace of mind for consumers and formulators alike.

Is polybutene cancerous?

On the basis of the available information, it was concluded that Polybutenes are safe as presently used in cosmetics. OLYBUTENE is any one of several isotactic (stereoregular) polymers of isobutene and n-butene; P the molecular weights of these polymers vary according to their degree of polymerization.

Is polybutene a natural ingredient?

Polybutene is made from petroleum and is a synthetic ingredient.

Is polyisobutene harmful?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of Polyisobutene (butyl rubber) and approved its use in chewing gum. base. It is also approved as an indirect food additive. For example, minute amounts of packaging substances may find their way into foods during storage.

Your Cosmetics are Killing You

Is Polybutene safe to use?

Polybutene generally is of low acute toxicity but causes eye irritation (Toxicity Category II). No other toxicological endpoints are of concern for workers or homeowners exposed to polybutene. No food-related uses are registered so dietary exposure is not of concern.

What is the difference between polyisobutene and polybutene?

Polybutene is a chemically related cosmetic ingredient previously determined to be safe as used in cosmetic products. Polyisobutene is used in cosmetic products as a binder, film former, and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent.

Is Polybutene good for skin?

Polybutene is a clear, colorless liquid polymer that works as a binding, glossing, and thickening agent in cosmetics. Is polybutene safe for skin? Polybutene cannot penetrate the outer layers of the skin (due to its large particle size), so there aren't any real benefits or risks to the skin.

What are the side effects of Carbomer?

In some cases, the Carbomer+vitamin A may cause impaired/blurred vision, eye pain, eyelid crusting, and eye irritation. Most of these side effects of Carbomer+vitamin A do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

What is polybutene made of?

Polybutene is an organic polymer made from a mixture of 1-butene, 2-butene, and isobutylene. Ethylene steam cracker C4s are also used as supplemental feed for polybutene. It is similar to polyisobutylene (PIB), which is produced from essentially pure isobutylene made in a C4 complex of a major refinery.

What are the bad ingredients in lip gloss?

Cosmetic products contain thousands of chemicals, some of which have been associated with reproductive, developmental, or other health effects based on human or animal studies, including phthalates, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, acetone, acetonitrile, methacrylates, toluene, xylene, ethyl ether, and lead (Pb) (De ...

What is a natural alternative to Polybutene?

Natural options to replace hydrogenated polyisobutene might include plant-based oils and waxes, such as but not limited to organic jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter.

Is Polybutene petroleum-based?

Polybutene is a oligomeric oil, sometimes derived from petroleum, that is used in its hydrogenated form in cosmetics and beauty products, primarily in lipsticks and balms, as a binder, epilating agent, thickener and lubricant (Wikipedia).

Why is polybutene not sustainable?

The reason for polybutene to be considered non-sustainable is due to its production process, which relies heavily on the non-renewable resource of petroleum. Petroleum is a finite resource and its extraction and processing have significant environmental impacts.

Is there formaldehyde in chapstick?

And preservatives can also be an issue, especially in lip glosses and lipsticks. This may include chemicals such as formaldehyde and methylisothiazolinone.

Is polyethylene toxic in lipstick?

The available data supported the conclusion that polyethylene was safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Polyethylene may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Is Carbomer banned?

Update: April 2024

All patients can now use carbomer-containing lubricating eye products, with the exception of the recalled products.

What is a natural alternative to Carbomer?

As regards gel strength and spreading behaviour, xanthan gum, used at high concentrations (up to 2.0%), is a very good alternative to conventional synthetic gelling or thickening agents such as carbomers.

Is Carbomer toxic to humans?

Carbomers are a series of polymers that derive from acrylic acid. Companies use them in a range of products as emulsifiers, thickeners, suspenders, and binders. Research suggests that they are generally nonirritating on the skin. Health experts generally consider carbomers safe and nontoxic for humans.

Is Polybutene comedogenic?

It is safe for use in skin applications, it is non-skin irritating, non-drying and hydrophobic. It is also non-comedogenic (prevents blocked pores) and non-toxic.

Is carbomer safe for lips?

Safety profile

Carbomer is safe for skin and hair and can be used in products at concentrations up to 50%. This ingredient is even non-toxic and safe if accidentally ingested.

What is hydrogenated Polybutene?

Hydrogenated polyisobutene is a multifunctional oil base used in many cosmetic applications, from make-up to personal care, offering excellent feel, spreadability and penetration as well as emollient and hydrophobic properties.

What is the purpose of Polybutene?

Polybutene functions as a binderIngredients that hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet or cake., epilating agent.

Is Polybutene plastic?

Polybutene-1

PB-1 resins are high-molecular-weight isotactic, semicrystalline thermoplastic polyolefins.

Is Polybutene good?

The extraordinary weathering protection a polyurethane finish gives to building materials improves the substrates' durability, providing extended life-cycle service. Due to the tightly bound resin structure, aliphatic polyurethanes don't scratch as easily as many ordinary paints and coatings that are much less robust.

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