Ingredient guide

Polybutene.

Also known as: polyisobutene, hydrogenated polyisobutene, polybutylene, indopol

A synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, used as a thickener, binder, and viscosity-increasing agent in lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics.

Regulations

Global status.

How polybutene is regulated in cosmetics around the world.

Allowed in 11
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธUSA
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บEU
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งUK
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆCanada
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ตJapan
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ทS. Korea
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บAustralia
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณChina
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ทBrazil
Allowed
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณIndia
Allowed
๐ŸŒASEAN
Allowed
Why itโ€™s used

The reason brands include it.

Creates the thick, glossy, non-sticky texture characteristic of modern lip glosses. Excellent at providing shine and viscosity at low cost.

18

products in our database

11

brands use it

3

product categories

Categories

Polybutene in product types.

Click a category to see every product containing polybutene.

Alternatives

Common alternatives.

castor oil (for gloss and viscosity)
plant-derived polyglyceryl esters
candelilla wax
sunflower wax
jojoba oil

What Numbrrrz uses

Numbrrrz does not use polybutene. Every tube is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions.

Questions

Quick answers.

What is Polybutene?
A synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, used as a thickener, binder, and viscosity-increasing agent in lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics.
Why is Polybutene used in cosmetics?
Creates the thick, glossy, non-sticky texture characteristic of modern lip glosses. Excellent at providing shine and viscosity at low cost.
How is Polybutene regulated?
Approved for cosmetic use. Generally recognized as safe. No restrictions.
Does Numbrrrz contain Polybutene?
No. Numbrrrz is made from four base ingredients: organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
Related comparisons

How these brands stack up.

Side-by-side ingredient comparisons with brands whose products list polybutene.

Four base ingredients

Prefer a short label?

Organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, in a 0.5 oz (14 g) USDA Organic tube.