Polybutene

Polybutene Description

Polybutene is a clear, colorless polymer that serves as a texture enhancer and binding agent in cosmetics. Its thick, emollient nature also allows it to moisturize and help prevent water loss on skin and lips.

Polybutene is often used in lip glosses and balms not only for its texture-enhancing and lubricating abilities but also because its slight tackiness allows such products to last longer, holding up to eating, drinking and lip-licking better than many other emollients.

The large molecular size of polybutene keeps it from penetrating past the surface of skin or lips. It is considered safe as used in cosmetics (multiple assessments have been done since 1976). Use levels of polybutene in cosmetics have a wide range, from 0.1–82% in leave-on products and 8–20% in rinse-off formulations.