Polybutene is a synthetic liquid polymer derived from butene, used in cosmetics as an emollient, thickening agent, and binder. It imparts gloss, viscosity, and a smooth, non-tacky film, and is common in lip glosses, balms, and other long-wear formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact irritation | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon and rarely reported in the literature. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Occlusive film may theoretically contribute to pore congestion in acne-prone skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.