Polyisobutene

Polyisobutene molecular structure

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Polyisobutene?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyisobutene is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

Polyisobutene is a common, low-risk ingredient used to thicken or bind creams and lotions. For children age 5 and older (school-age kids and tweens), it is usually safe when used on unbroken skin.

✅What to Do

Use products that list polyisobutene as an ingredient in normal amounts. Do a small patch test on the child’s inner arm before first use. Avoid putting products with this ingredient on broken or irritated skin, near the eyes, or in the mouth. If your child has sensitive skin, choose simpler products and stop use if you see redness, swelling, or rash.

⚠️Warnings

Some government assessments (Environment Canada and the European Chemicals Agency) noted possible effects on organ systems and gave it medium priority in certain reviews — and the European agency reported limited evidence of skin/eye/lung irritation. Because of that, watch for signs of irritation (redness, itching, swelling, watery eyes, or breathing changes). If any of these occur, rinse the area, stop use, and consult your child’s doctor. Also avoid long-term heavy application over large areas without medical advice.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: Canada's chemical review flagged polyisobutene as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive body systems and gave it a medium human-health priority. A European chemical agency also lists it as potentially toxic or harmful. This means there is real concern that repeated or high exposures could harm organs (for example liver, kidneys, or lungs).
Environmental: A European chemical regulator reported concerns about wildlife and environmental toxicity for this ingredient. That indicates it may pose a risk to animals or ecosystems if released into the environment.

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Alternative Names for Polyisobutene

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polyisobutene1-PROPENE,-2-METHYL-, HOMOPOLYMERPERMETHYL 108AISOBUTYLENE HOMOPOLYMERISOBUTENE HOMOPOLYMERHOMOPOLYMER 1-PROPENE,-2-METHYL-HOMOPOLYMER 2-METHYL-1-PROPENE1-PROPENE, 2-METHYL-, HOMOPOLYMER; 1-PROPENE, 2-METHYL-, HOMOPOLYMER(C4H8)X, X = 17; 1-PROPENE, 2-METHYL-, HOMOPOLYMER(C4H8)X, X = 17POLY ISOBUTYLENE2-METHYL-1-PROPENE, HOMOPOLYMERPOLYISOBUTYLENE

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

Common Questions About Polyisobutene

Is this kid-friendly to use Polyisobutene?

Yes, Polyisobutene is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Polyisobutene for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of Polyisobutene for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Polyisobutene?

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

When can kids start using products with Polyisobutene?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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