Hydrogenated Polyisobutene ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic emollient and glossing agent that gives formulas slip, cushion, and a light occlusive film. It is common in lip products, balms, creams, sunscreens, and makeup where long wear and shine matter.
What does Hydrogenated Polyisobutene do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic emollient and glossing agent that gives formulas slip, cushion, and a light occlusive film. It is common in lip products, balms, creams, sunscreens, and makeup where long wear and shine matter.
Is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene clean?
From a skin-tolerance perspective, it is generally low-reactivity and not a common allergen. Clean-beauty frameworks often flag it for petrochemical origin and low biodegradability rather than irritation.
Is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene sustainable?
This material is derived from fossil feedstocks and is not readily biodegradable. Its main sustainability concern is environmental persistence, especially compared with readily biodegradable plant oils or esters.
Is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS natural or organic standards because it is a synthetic petrochemical-derived hydrocarbon. It has weak Green Chemistry alignment due to nonrenewable sourcing and limited biodegradability, despite good chemical stability and low skin reactivity.
How does Hydrogenated Polyisobutene work chemically?
The molecule is a fully saturated, highly branched hydrocarbon oligomer with no polar functional groups, which explains its water resistance, inert feel, and strong compatibility with oils, waxes, and pigments. It is pH-insensitive, oxidation-resistant, and typically used from low single digits to much higher levels in lip and anhydrous products depending on the desired gloss, cushion, and film.
Last updated 2026-05-13