Polyisobutene

Polyisobutene molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Polyisobutene?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyisobutene is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months old, polyisobutene is generally low risk when it’s used in small amounts in products made for babies. It’s a common ingredient that helps products feel smooth and stay on the skin.

What to Do

Use products that are specifically made and labeled for babies. Try a small patch test on a clean area (inside forearm or thigh) and wait 24 hours before wider use. Keep creams away from the eyes and mouth, and use only a small amount. If your baby drools or puts hands in their mouth after application, gently wipe their mouth and hands.

⚠️Warnings

Stop use and talk to your pediatrician if you see redness, swelling, a rash, or eye irritation. Some government safety reviews have noted limited evidence of irritation and some flagged possible organ-system concerns in certain assessments (sources: Environment Canada, European Chemicals Agency); these are rare but worth watching for. Also note that the FDA and industry reviews note safe, limited uses—if a product isn’t made for babies or lists unusually high concentrations or unclear ingredients, avoid it.

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.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

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

Can older babies safely use Polyisobutene?

Yes, Polyisobutene is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Polyisobutene for older babies?

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 Polyisobutene for older babies?

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

What products contain Polyisobutene?

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

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Polyisobutene?

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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