Polyisobu- Tene ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions as an emollient, film-former, binder, and viscosity builder, especially in lip products, color cosmetics, balms, and water-resistant formulas. It gives slip, gloss, cushion, and adhesion without adding water solubility.
What does Polyisobu- Tene do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions as an emollient, film-former, binder, and viscosity builder, especially in lip products, color cosmetics, balms, and water-resistant formulas. It gives slip, gloss, cushion, and adhesion without adding water solubility.
Is Polyisobu- Tene clean?
In clean-beauty screening, this ingredient is usually flagged for petrochemical origin and polymer persistence rather than skin irritation. It is generally well tolerated on skin, but can conflict with restricted lists that screen out non-biodegradable synthetic polymers.
Is Polyisobu- Tene sustainable?
This material is derived from fossil feedstocks and is not readily biodegradable. Its environmental profile is the main concern, especially for rinse-off formats where persistent synthetic polymers can enter wastewater.
Is Polyisobu- Tene COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS natural or organic standards because it is a synthetic petrochemical polymer. From a Green Chemistry lens, it scores poorly on renewable sourcing and biodegradability, though it is chemically stable and used without reactive solvents in the final formula.
How does Polyisobu- Tene work chemically?
This material is a saturated, branched hydrocarbon polymer, with grades ranging from viscous liquids to tacky semi-solids depending on molecular weight. It is chemically inert, hydrophobic, stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, and co-formulates with oils, waxes, pigments, and hydrocarbon solvents rather than water.
Last updated 2026-05-15