The Index · Hydrocarbon emollient

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Synthetic hydrocarbon emollient/occlusive used as a mineral-oil alternative.

ModerateCIR polybutene/polyisobutene assessments support cosmetic use.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources2 cited

Synthetic hydrocarbon emollient/occlusive used as a mineral-oil alternative.

What it does

Builds cushion in balms such as Cicaplast-type formulas.

The evidence

Evidence grade moderate: CIR polybutene/polyisobutene assessments support cosmetic use. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Synthetic hydrocarbon emollient/occlusive used as a mineral-oil alternative.[1]

Moderate

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Polyisobutene and related. CIR (2018)regulator
[2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene. SpecialChem (2024)other

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk