Ingredient deep-dive
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?
Synthetic elastomer used to give lip and stick products flexible structure and shine. A styrene-based polymer, though present as a soft matrix rather than a bead.
Where it appears
- Lip gloss and balm
- Stick foundation
- Cream products
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Permitted as a structurant.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Candelilla wax
- Castor oil
- Beeswax
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Is Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer a microplastic?
Is Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer banned?
What can I use instead of Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer?
What products contain Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer?
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