For babies 6–12 months (infants and babies), polybutene is generally considered low-risk, but studies in very young children are limited. The main concern is mild skin or eye irritation and there are some regulatory notes about possible organ effects in other settings.
If a product for your 6–12 month old lists polybutene: choose products made for babies when possible, use a small amount, avoid applying it to broken or very red skin, and do a patch test on a small area (inner forearm or leg) and wait 24 hours before wider use. Avoid applying near the mouth and hands frequently mouthed by babies. Stop use and rinse with water if you notice any redness, swelling, blistering, or persistent fussiness after application. Check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure or if the baby has sensitive skin.
Watch for skin redness, stinging, rash, swelling, or eye irritation — these come from reports of limited irritation. Also note that some government agencies have classified possible organ system toxicity in other contexts (Environment Canada, European Chemicals Agency) and industry reviewers recommend limits on how it’s used (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some product verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide extra safety information. Avoid use on broken skin or if the product is not labeled for infants.
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polybutene or its alternative names.
Use caution with Polybutene for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Polybutene is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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