Polybutene

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Polybutene?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polybutene not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies 0-6 months: treat this ingredient with caution. Authorities note only low-level concerns overall, but there is limited safety data and some government bodies have flagged possible irritation or other effects. Babies’ skin is much more sensitive, so it’s safer to avoid regular use.

What to Do

If you need to use a product that contains polybutene on a baby under 6 months: use only a very small amount on a tiny area first, do not put it on broken or red skin, wait 24–48 hours to watch for any reaction, avoid using it over large areas or under diapers for long periods, and prefer products where the maker provides safety information or limits this ingredient. When in doubt, choose products formulated specifically for newborns that do not contain this ingredient.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, swelling, a rash, or breathing changes after application. Government reviews (Environment Canada and the European Chemicals Agency) have noted limited evidence of irritation and some classification for organ system effects, and an industry safety review has flagged data gaps and use restrictions — these are the reasons to be cautious with infants.

Confidence: MODERATE

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies polybutene as “expected to be toxic or harmful” and a medium human-health priority, and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) lists it as potentially toxic or harmful. Those agency findings mean there is evidence polybutene can cause non-reproductive organ harm with repeated exposure, so regular topical use on a child could raise risk to organs (for example liver, kidneys, or lungs) over time.
Environmental: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) flags wildlife and environmental toxicity for polybutene. That indicates the ingredient can harm animals or ecosystems if released into the environment, so it poses a real environmental risk even if it is not seen as strongly bioaccumulative by some reviewers.

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Alternative Names for Polybutene

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polybuteneBUTENE, POLYMER-BOUND, 50-100 MESH, EXTENT OF LABELING: 1.0-2.0 MMOL VINYL PER G LOADING157439-EP2374780A1217186-EP2374780A1186918-EP2374781A1186918-EP2270113A1157439-EP2284163A2186918-EP2374780A1Q2468763186918-EP2272935A1157439-EP2374781A1

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Polybutene

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polybutene or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polybutene

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Polybutene?

Polybutene is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the organ risk risks of Polybutene for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Polybutene for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Polybutene?

Polybutene is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Polybutene?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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