Polybutene

Polybutene molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Polybutene?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polybutene is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: polybutene is usually low risk when used on normal, unbroken skin. It’s widely used in lotions, balms and makeup as a sticky binder or film former.

✅What to Do

If you are an adult, it’s fine to use products that list polybutene. Do a small patch test first if you have sensitive skin or history of reactions. Avoid putting products with polybutene on broken skin, avoid inhaling sprays that contain it, and stop use if you get redness, itching or eye irritation.

⚠️Warnings

Some government agencies have noted limited evidence of irritation and possible organ-system concerns, and industry reviewers point out data gaps and recommended concentration limits (sources: Environment Canada, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)). Also, some product verification programs require companies to show safety data before using this ingredient — that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it means manufacturers may limit its use. Watch for irritation and seek medical advice if you develop a rash, breathing problems, or other concerning symptoms.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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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.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

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 safe for adults to use Polybutene?

Yes, Polybutene is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Polybutene for adults?

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

What are the environmental risks of Polybutene for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Polybutene?

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

When can adults using products with Polybutene?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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