Ingredient glossary
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
On your shelf ✓What Hydrogenated Polyisobutene does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
In short: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene delivers softening and film forming, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Softening, film forming
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Moderate
- How long
- Straight away
What it actually is
The Glow take
A comfort ingredient, and none the worse for it.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is here for feel and moisture, softening the skin and slowing water loss. More comfort than correction.
— Maya
What it does
- softening
- film forming
moderate evidenceConsidered inert and non-sensitizing with good barrier support and elegant sensory properties.
On a label: usually effective at 2-20%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- normal
- combo
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Where it fits in your routine
This one works on contact — there is nothing to wait for.
What that covers, and what it does not
Measured on: Smooth non-tacky film and reduced surface water loss on application.
A fully saturated liquid hydrocarbon oligomer used at 2-20%; it deposits a continuous hydrophobic film that both smooths the surface and retards evaporation from the moment it is spread, which is why it substitutes for mineral oil. Chemically inert, so there is no biological process that could produce a delayed effect. No trial reports timed outcomes for it; the literature is formulation and safety data.
No efficacy-timing trial identified. Ingredient physical chemistry (hydrogenated hydrocarbon polymer film former).
Plays well with
- silicones
- humectants
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, answered
Is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Hydrogenated Polyisobutene?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Hydrogenated Polyisobutene. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Hydrogenated Polyisobutene actually works?
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene tends to do its job in the 2 to 20% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
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