Polythylene ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic polymer used as a film-former, binder, viscosity modifier, texture enhancer, and, in some legacy formats, as exfoliating beads.
What does Polythylene do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic polymer used as a film-former, binder, viscosity modifier, texture enhancer, and, in some legacy formats, as exfoliating beads.
Is Polythylene clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it has significant friction because solid synthetic polymers and microplastic particles are restricted or excluded by many standards, especially in rinse-off products. Skin irritation is usually low, so the concern is more about material class and persistence than direct tolerance.
Is Polythylene sustainable?
This material is typically petroleum-derived and is not readily biodegradable. Small particles can persist in waterways and sediments, which gives it a weak environmental profile compared with biodegradable waxes or mineral structuring agents.
Is Polythylene COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS natural or organic standards. It fits poorly with Green Chemistry principles because it relies on fossil feedstocks, has low biodegradability, and can create persistent particulate residues.
How does Polythylene work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight saturated hydrocarbon polymer made of repeating two-carbon units, with properties that vary by chain length, branching, and particle size. It is highly pH-stable, water-insoluble, oxidation-resistant, and commonly used as waxes or powders across broad ranges, often around 0.5% to 20% depending on whether the goal is slip, structure, binding, or exfoliation.
Last updated 2026-05-15