Isobutane is a liquefied gas commonly used as a propellant in aerosol skincare and cosmetic products such as sprays, foams, and mousses. It is a base/formulation ingredient with no inherent active skincare benefit.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Rare | Possible mild irritation, often from the cooling or drying effect of aerosol spray rather than the gas itself. |
Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur from accidental spray exposure to the eyes. |
Respiratory irritation | Rare | Inhalation of aerosol mist may cause transient respiratory discomfort, particularly in poorly ventilated areas. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Rarely reported; isobutane is generally considered non-sensitizing. |
Frostbite-like injury | Very rare | From close-range, prolonged spray application causing rapid skin cooling. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.