Polyisobutene
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil
EWG Safety Score
What Is Polyisobutene?
Polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening and film-forming agent and does not penetrate skin due to its large molecular size.
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- POLYISOBUTENE
- Function
- Binding, Film Forming, Viscosity Controlling
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Polyisobutene is a variant of Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Synthetic emollient that provides moisture retention
Related Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Synthetic emollient that provides moisture retention
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Acacia Senegal Gum
Functions as a thickening agent, emulsifier, or stabiliser
Acacia Senegal Gum Extract
A plant-derived thickener that stabilises formulations and maintains product texture
Acetylated Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride
Provides Hydration
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that stabilises emulsions and controls texture in skincare formulations
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