Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as a thickener, binder, film former, and as exfoliating microbeads (now largely phased out due to environmental concerns). It is considered inert and non-reactive on skin.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible, often related to abrasive microbead use. |
Mechanical micro-abrasion | Uncommon | Physical scrubbing with polyethylene beads can cause microtears in sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is exceptionally uncommon as polyethylene is largely inert. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.