Polybutene
What Polybutene is & what it does
A thick, glossy synthetic emollient that adds shine, slip, and a cushiony, long-wearing film. It is common in lip and dewy formulas.
What does Polybutene do in skincare?
Polybutene is a synthetic polymer that works as a thickener and binder. It adds a smooth, tacky, cushiony feel and helps products cling to the skin or lips, which is why it is common in glosses, balms, and some long-wear formulas. It also contributes shine and a soft, flexible film.
Does Polybutene clog pores?
Polybutene is a large polymer that mainly sits on the skin's surface, and it is generally regarded as low risk for clogging pores, though it is occlusive and can feel heavy. As with any rich, film-forming ingredient, how it behaves can vary by formula and skin type. People prone to breakouts may want to monitor how products containing it feel.
Is Polybutene natural or synthetic?
Polybutene is a synthetic ingredient, made by polymerizing butene, a compound derived from petroleum. It is produced for consistent thickness, shine, and film-forming performance. It is not a plant- or animal-derived material.
Sunscreens with Polybutene
We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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INGU Nio-glow Tripeptide Balm SPF 50+ Pa++++
75/100
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Innbeauty Project Sun Balm SPF 30
71/100
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Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra Ceramide Boost + SPF 40
68/100
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H-E-B Solutions Sunscreen SPF 55
66/100
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up&up
up and up Kid's Sport Sunscreen Stick - SPF 55
65/100
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Naked Sundays Poutscreen SPF 50
65/100
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KINeSYS Spf 50 Fragrance Free Spray Sunscreen
62/100
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Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick Spf 55
58/100
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Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Dry Spray Oil SPF 25
55/100
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Mac Cosmetics
MAC Studio Finish Spf 35 Concealer
49/100